How can we eliminate preventable pregnancy-related deaths?

Challenge

The U.S. has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among high-income countries. There are many causes of these deaths, and they vary by race/ethnicity and other demographics. Social drivers of health and system-level factors are significant contributing factors to pregnancy-related deaths, with more than 80% being preventable.

To eliminate preventable pregnancy-related deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ERASE Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM) initiative supports Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) across the country in their review of maternal deaths in order to identify opportunities to prevent them. To accomplish their work, MMRCs need stakeholders to understand the different sources of maternal mortality data, how to use the data, and the importance of MMRC data in promoting solutions.

Solution

To support the ERASE MM initiative, Westat provides communications, training and instructional design, and technical and administrative support to the CDC Maternal Mortality Prevention Team (MMPT) of the ERASE MM initiative.

Westat audits and assesses existing ERASE MM communications materials, develops annual communication plans to address the findings, and creates new materials as needed.

Westat’s training experts audit and assess existing written materials and live trainings and develop annual training plans. The team also plans and executes the annual ERASE MM national meeting with the MMPT that supports MMRC teams from 46 states and 6 U.S. territories. 

Results

The Westat team continues to develop communications strategies and products to increase awareness and understanding of maternal mortality and the work of the MMRCs. Because of the importance of data in understanding maternal mortality, Westat is supporting CDC in identifying the available maternal mortality data and helping MMRCs better understand how to use and interpret the data.

The training components facilitate learning and access to important information for the MMRC team members. The annual meetings provide opportunities for learning, sharing of new information and best practices, and networking among the MMRC members, MMPT, and national partners.