The Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank unites cross-sector leaders to transform care, strengthen workforce, and align resources

Gainesville, GA – (Jan 29, 2026) – A statewide collaborative of health care providers, public health leaders, researchers, philanthropy and community-based organizations announce the launch of a new Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank (MHVTT). In coming together, this innovative think tank is designed to coordinate systems-level solutions and advance maternal vitality across Georgia.

Maternal health is essential to healthy families and communities. Yet Georgia ranks among the bottom 10 states nationally in maternal mortality. While Georgia has taken significant steps toward meaningful progress, ongoing reliance on isolated programs or single-sector solutions will continue to hinder the ability to bring about and sustain improved maternal health outcomes. Creation of the MHVTT is a needed response to bridge gaps across partner organizations and sectors to strengthen Georgia’s maternal health ecosystem.

“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. “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.”

“HOPE for Georgia Moms is honored to work alongside many common partners in this think tank to advance systems-level change, said Heidi Ehrenreich, HOPE for Georgia Moms program director. “MHVTT reflects our shared commitment to innovation, which helps Georgia become a leader for positive change.”

Convened by Georgia Health Initiative, the MHVTT unites cross-sector leaders grounded in and by their shared vision: 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 Georgia where families thrive, not just survive.

The MHVTT focuses on three immediate priorities: coordinated, trauma-informed care; workforce development; and aligned public and private financing for systems-level change. The MHVTT’s newly launched website, MaternalVitalityGa.org, delves into what each of these strategic aims entails and how they work in complement with one another. Starting today, this website will be a go-to resource for Georgia —a strategic action hub housing sound research, coordinated strategy, and aligned investments.

United by the notion of stronger together, the MHVTT partners are excited to walk and work alongside one another, coordinating cross-sector expertise, approaches, and passion for maternal vitality in our state. To learn more, please visit MaternalVitalityGa.org

Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank Partners include the following:
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Atlanta Birth Center
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Georgia Black Mamas Matter
Alliance Center for Black Women’s Wellness
Emory University  
Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation
Georgia Black Doula Network
Georgia Health Initiative
Georgia Hospital Association
Georgia Nursing Association  		Georgia OBGyn Society
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Coalition of Georgia
Hope for Georgia Moms
Jesse Parker Williams Foundation
Mercer – Center for Rural Health
Midwife ME
Morehouse School of Medicine
Center for Maternal Health Equity
Peace for Georgia Moms
Postpartum Support International – GA Chapter  

About the Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank (MHVTT)

MHVTT unites cross-sector leaders to transform the systems that shape maternal health in Georgia driving changes in coordinating care, strengthening the workforce, and funding innovative solutions so every Georgian experiences maternal vitality in a healthy, safe, and dignified pregnancy, birth, and recovery.

About HOPE for Georgia Moms

HOPE (Healthy Outcomes and Positive Experiences) for Georgia Moms is Georgia’s statewide maternal health initiative, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the State Maternal Health Innovation and Data Capacity Program. Launched in 2022, the program brings together mothers, clinicians, advocates and community leaders to improve maternal health outcomes across the state. By amplifying lived experiences and connecting families with trusted resources, HOPE for Georgia Moms works to ensure every parent in Georgia survives and thrives. 

This initiative is supported by HRSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under an award totaling $5,170,233. No funding is provided by non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.  

For more information, visit hopeforgeorgiamoms.org/  

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