Overview
The Virginia Department of Health has created a new online platform to serve as a comprehensive resource for expecting and new parents, as well as the professionals who support them. The site consolidates information on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period into a single, easy-to-navigate destination for families, healthcare providers and community organizations.
Purpose and scope
The platform offers guidance on a wide range of maternal health topics, including the importance of folic acid, how to find a doula, mental wellness support, and preventative screenings. For medical professionals, it provides clinical tools and referral information to better assist patients.
Policy context
The initiative is part of a broader state effort guided by an executive directive from Governor Glenn Youngkin to make childbirth safer for all families.
Health outcomes context
The release notes Virginia continues to address adverse health outcome trends for mothers. Initial data cited show 15 maternal deaths from natural causes in Virginia last year, a decline from 2021’s peak, though significant inequities persist. The mortality rate for Black and Hispanic women remains more than double that of white women.
Author’s summary
Virginia launches a centralized maternal health resource for families and professionals, aiming to improve access, guidance, and outcomes, while acknowledging ongoing disparities.