Maternal Health Task Force Strategic Development Plan

Maternal Health Task Force Strategic Development Plan

Danielle Montague | 2024

Abstract

The Dan River Region is not an anomaly in the maternal health crisis. Research supports that the maternal health crisis worsens in rural areas. The March of Dimes, the Virginia Department of Health State Department, and the National Rural Health Association have been paying close attention to rural areas to understand missing maternal and birth numbers, access challenges, and disparities that naturally come with living in rural communities. The U.S. spends a considerable amount on maternal mortality and morbidity. Some layered determinants and trends have led to the maternal health crisis that this country is facing. Maternal and child health trends are associated with lack of access, insurance disparities, and racial disparities.

The Maternal Health Task Force of the Dan River Regionwas developedto combat the maternal health crisis. The Dan River Region is a rural area where disparities are even more distinct. The strategic development plan lays out the Maternal Health Task Force’s mission, vision, values, and goals that the members have developed through facilitation and trend assessment. The development plan has outlined recommendations to enhance the task force’s systems work and is a living document for assessment and readjustment based on trends and foresight.