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. Georgia ranks among the bottom 10 states nationally in maternal mortality, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action beyond isolated programs or single-sector solutions.
"The Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank isn't about creating yet another program—it's about connecting what already exists," said Kristy Klein Davis, President and CEO of the Georgia Health Initiative, which is convening the MHVTT. "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. Maternal health is a systems issue that demands systems-level collaboration."
The think tank 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. A focus on vitality, rather than death or near misses, conveys a commitment to building a state where families thrive, not just survive. "As a mother here in Georgia, I know firsthand the importance of having access to coordinated, culturally responsive maternal health support," said Alison Rodden, CEO and Chief Strategist at HCN Global, a communications partner for the initiative.
The MHVTT focuses on three immediate priorities: coordinated, trauma-informed care; workforce development; and aligned public and private financing for systems-level change. The newly launched website, MaternalVitalityGa.org, details these strategic aims and serves as a strategic action hub housing research, coordinated strategy, and aligned investments for the state. Partners include a broad coalition such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine – Center for Maternal Health Equity, and the Georgia Hospital Association, united by the notion of stronger together.
This initiative is significant because it represents a fundamental shift from fragmented efforts to a unified, systems-based approach addressing a critical public health crisis. The implications are far-reaching: improved coordination could lead to better healthcare access, reduced disparities—particularly for Black mothers who face disproportionately high mortality rates—and a stronger maternal health workforce. For Georgia residents, this could mean safer pregnancies, fewer preventable deaths, and healthier families, potentially serving as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. The focus on aligned financing and workforce development addresses root causes of poor outcomes, aiming for sustainable change rather than temporary fixes.
