WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has entered a new partnership with Heartland Forward aimed at expanding federal maternal health programs and improving pregnancy-related outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The agreement, announced through HHS’ Office on Women’s Health, focuses on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality through expanded hospital collaboration, data analysis, and evidence-based healthcare initiatives.
Central to the partnership is the planned expansion of the HHS Perinatal Improvement Collaborative, a national network of more than 220 hospitals and healthcare teams working to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
According to HHS, the initiative will broaden beyond pregnancy and delivery care to examine health outcomes across the wider maternal and child health continuum, including care before and after pregnancy.
The collaboration will also involve collecting and analyzing linked maternal and infant health data to identify pregnancy-related risks and improve clinical practices.
Heartland Forward, a nonprofit policy organization focused on economic development and regional policy, established its Maternal and Child Health Center for Policy and Practice in 2025.
The organization has stated a goal of reducing U.S. maternal mortality rates by half within five years through state-level policy and healthcare initiatives.
Under the memorandum of understanding, HHS and Heartland Forward will also convene healthcare leaders and policymakers to share best practices and develop maternal health policy recommendations.
The agreement comes as federal health agencies continue to face pressure to address persistently high U.S. maternal mortality rates, particularly among rural populations and medically underserved communities.
HHS characterized the initiative as part of broader administration efforts focused on maternal and infant healthcare access and outcomes.
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