A statewide collaborative of healthcare providers, public health leaders, researchers, philanthropy, and community-based organizations has launched the Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank (MHVTT) to coordinate systems-level solutions and advance maternal vitality across Georgia. The initiative responds to Georgia's position among the bottom 10 states nationally in maternal mortality, recognizing that isolated programs or single-sector solutions have hindered sustained improvements in maternal health outcomes.
Convened by the Georgia Health Initiative, the MHVTT aims to bridge gaps across partner organizations and sectors to strengthen Georgia's maternal health ecosystem. Kristy Klein Davis, President and CEO of the Georgia Health Initiative, emphasized that the think tank isn't about creating another program but connecting existing efforts. "It creates the infrastructure to bring existing efforts together, helping us understand the full landscape, build on what's working, and collaborate more effectively to drive lasting, statewide impact," Davis said. "Maternal health is a systems issue that demands systems-level collaboration."
The MHVTT unites cross-sector leaders with a shared vision of a Georgia where every family can experience maternal vitality through healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and dignified recovery. By focusing on vitality rather than death or near misses, the initiative conveys a commitment to building a state where families thrive, not just survive. Alison Rodden, CEO and Chief Strategist at HCN Global, highlighted the importance of coordinated, culturally responsive maternal health support. "When we bring diverse perspectives together with strategic communications, we create the conditions for real systems change that ensures every mother and baby in our state can thrive," Rodden said.
The MHVTT has identified three immediate priorities: coordinated, trauma-informed care; workforce development; and aligned public and private financing for systems-level change. The think tank's newly launched website, https://MaternalVitalityGa.org, details these strategic aims and serves as a resource hub for research, coordinated strategy, and aligned investments. Partners include organizations such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine's Center for Maternal Health Equity, and the Georgia Hospital Association.
This collaborative approach represents a significant shift in addressing Georgia's maternal health crisis. By uniting healthcare institutions, community organizations, and philanthropic entities, the MHVTT aims to create a more integrated and effective maternal health system. The initiative's focus on systemic solutions rather than fragmented programs could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges, potentially influencing national conversations about maternal health equity and infrastructure.
The MHVTT's work comes at a critical time as maternal health disparities continue to affect communities nationwide. Georgia's high maternal mortality rate, particularly among Black women, underscores the urgency of coordinated action. The think tank's emphasis on trauma-informed care and workforce development addresses key barriers to quality maternal healthcare, while its focus on aligned financing seeks to create sustainable funding mechanisms for long-term change. As the MHVTT begins its work, its success could have implications for healthcare policy, community health initiatives, and philanthropic investment strategies across the Southeast and beyond.
