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RICHMOND, VA - Under the direction of Governor Glenn Youngkin, the Maternal Health Task Force convened to implement a data-driven approach to continue to solve challenges facing pregnant moms, and announced the "Ask About Aspirin" campaign, a data-driven initiative that offers an affordable and highly effective way to save the lives of expectant mothers.
These announcements were highlighted at today's Maternal Health Data Task Force meeting, following through on the Commonwealth's commitment to protecting mothers and improving maternal health outcomes. Established under Executive Order 32, the Task Force will focus on utilizing data to develop meaningful priorities and strategies that ensure the safety and well-being of mothers across Virginia.
"We are committed to ensuring that every pregnant mom in Virginia receives the care she needs to be healthy and deliver a healthy baby," said Governor Glenn Youngkin."It's encouraging to see that Virginia is surpassing the national average on key measures that keep moms and kids healthy, such as early prenatal care, postpartum visit attendance, avoiding smoking during pregnancy, and addressing postpartum depression. However, there is more work to be done. This Task Force is crucial to addressing disparities and ensuring the health and safety of mothers across Virginia."
The Maternal Health Data Task Force includes a bipartisan group of lawmakers, state agency leaders, medical professionals, and community stakeholders who will work together to ensure that Virginia collects better data to improve maternal health. The Task Force will issue a final report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2025.
"The right information at the right time during pregnancy can save lives and futures," said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly."The 'Ask About Aspirin' campaign is a simple, effective approach that can save lives. Paired with better data and a renewed commitment to maternal health, this initiative will help improve outcomes across Virginia, especially in underserved communities."
In 2022, there were 67 pregnancy-associated mortalities per 100,000 live births in Virginia. Accidental overdoses, cardiac conditions, hemorrhages, homicides, and accidental deaths contributed to Virginia's pregnancy-associated maternal mortality rates.
During the Task Force meeting, State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton highlighted the ongoing challenges in maternal health, particularly the critical need to focus on cardiovascular wellness -one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Virginia. She emphasized that women of color bear the burden of these deaths, with Black women experiencing significantly higher rates of death from cardiac-related causes compared to their White counterparts. Shelton stressed the importance of implementing targeted interventions to protect mothers and reduce preventable deaths.
The Task Force also heard from Cheryl Roberts, Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, who presented on the Virginia Medicaid "Ask About Aspirin" campaign. This innovative and low-cost initiative aims to increase public awareness about the benefits of prescribed aspirin in reducing cardiac conditions that can be harmful to all expectant mothers in Virginia.
You can read the full text of Executive Order 32 here.
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