GETTING STARTED

Establishing a Maternal Mortality Review Committee in a state or jurisdiction requires collaboration from diverse and influential stakeholders.

In this section, you will find key components of getting a Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) off the ground. Before getting started, form a racially and ethnically diverse team that includes the following key partners.

Key Partners:

  • State or jurisdiction health agency:

    In most cases, the state maternal and child health (MCH/ Title V) program is responsible for and funds maternal mortality surveillance for the state.

    • If you are not affiliated with the state health department or a related agency, contact representatives there to learn if efforts are already underway to establish a MMRC or related activities.
  • Clinical leaders:

    Historically, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and leaders from their districts and sections have played instrumental roles in establishing MMRCs.

    Other professional organizations whose local leadership are instrumental to MMRCs include Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).

  • Community partners:

    It is important to establish and build a trusting relationship when engaging with community partners. Recruiting and identifying community partners to engage in establishing an MMRC is a process that takes time and trust; it cannot be achieved by a one-time action step.

    • Start by centering partnerships with local entities doing maternal mortality prevention work in your jurisdiction.

    Community-based members and organizations provide support that disrupts toxic stress and addresses the root causes of racial disparities in maternal health. They know best how to support Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other birthing People of Color. To identify essential organizations in your state:

    • Visit the Healthy Start Directory;
    • Explore and connect with Black Mamas Matter Alliance partners working in your jurisdiction;
    • Connect with your local March of Dimes chapter;
    • Build relationships with Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color–led midwifery, doula and/or social justice programs in your state; or get in touch with local chapters of condition-specific organizations. Historically, these organizations have been excluded from MMRCs. 

The resources in this section are intended to be used by a team working together to establish or sustain a MMRC.
These resources are not intended to take the place of one-on-one technical assistance available from the Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM) project team. If you’d like to discuss these steps in more detail, please contact us below.