Virginia Maternal Mortality Review Team: Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality - In 2021, the United States witnessed approximately 1205 maternal deaths, with a troubling rise in mortality despite extensive initiatives. Virginia, particularly, has seen a consistent uptick in maternal deaths since 1999, reaching 64 deaths and a rate of 66.9 in 2021. The Virginia Maternal Mortality Review Team (VMMRT), established in 1999 and formalized by the Virginia General Assembly in 2019, serves as a vital resource for understanding and addressing maternal mortality in the state. The VMMRT meticulously analyzes demographic, medical, and circumstantial data, identifying gaps in care and prevention strategies. Its insights are invaluable for stakeholders, guiding targeted interventions and community responses. Now, the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) seeks to bolster this effort by enhancing statewide maternal mortality surveillance and fostering closer collaboration with the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC). Through robust data collection, community partnerships, and the promotion of VMMRT recommendations, we aim to drive tangible progress in reducing maternal mortality rates not only in Virginia but nationwide. Continued funding is crucial to sustaining and expanding these vital initiatives for the well-being of all Virginian women.
