Establishing a Maternal Health Task Force: Lessons Learned From Illinois, North Carolina, and Ohio, 2019-2024

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Maternal Health Policy

Background:

• Federal funding in 2019 supported the State Maternal Health Innovation Program, mandating the creation of state-level Maternal Health Task Forces (MHTFs) and Maternal Health Strategic Plans (MHSPs) in nine states.
• This case study examines the development and implementation of MHTFs and MHSPs in Illinois, North Carolina, and Ohio, focusing on administrative approaches and strategic planning processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present perspectives on the development and implementation of state-level Maternal Health Task Forces (MHTFs) and Maternal Health Strategic Plans (MHSPs).
• To identify common approaches, challenges, and successes in establishing and operating these maternal health initiatives across three diverse states.

Main Methods:

• A comparative case study approach was used, analyzing the experiences of Illinois, North Carolina, and Ohio in developing their MHTFs and MHSPs.
• MHTF administration varied: public university staff (Illinois), contracted staff (North Carolina), and state public health department staff (Ohio).
• MHSPs were informed by state data, Maternal Mortality Review Committee recommendations, existing plans, and MHTF member expertise.

Main Results:

• All three states successfully established multidisciplinary MHTFs by leveraging existing partnerships and forming new connections.
• Key MHSP topics included public education, healthcare provider training, perinatal workforce expansion, and enhanced mental health/substance use services.
• Common challenges involved member engagement, defining activity scope, and demonstrating effectiveness, yet progress was made despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Despite implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic, all three states successfully developed MHSPs and maintained progress on their initiatives.
• Sustained funding is critical for the success and sustainability of MHTFs and MHSPs.
• Integrating MHTFs with other state-level maternal health efforts could enhance synergy, reduce member burden, and ensure long-term viability.