Maternal and Child Health Resource Repository

The AHA this week launched refreshed webpages dedicated to maternal and child health.

Some pediatric and adolescent patients are considered to have medical complexity — multiple conditions that require numerous health care service lines. In today's new Caring for Our Kids episode, explore how Children's Hospital Colorado has designed seamless care for medically complex kids and their families.

These resources from expert professional groups can help hospitals and health care systems optimize child and adolescent safety and outcomes.

Improving maternal and infant health in the U.S. is a priority for the AHA and our member hospitals and health systems. While the field has made progress, we are continuing to work toward more equitable outcomes.

Child and Adolescent Health: Resources from the FieldAlong with hospitals and health care system, communities and stakeholders are essential partners in creating a lasting impact on the health of children and adolescents.

Plenty of babies and parents leave the hospital with a few gifts, whether it’s a signature onesie or an extra pack of diapers. But for those leaving University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, the “Readiness Bag” is not just for the body, but for the mind.

To address preventable obstetric issues, Houston Methodist strengthens protocols with simulation training and communication tools like TeamSTEPPS.

Child and Adolescent Health: Health EquityImproving health equity starts during childhood.

Child and Adolescent Health: Patient-Family EngagementEngaging patients, family members, and communities to design care that meets their priorities and needs.

Child and Adolescent Health Care: VaccinesVaccines prevent kids from contracting viruses.

Non-medical social factors can have a significant impact on a pregnant person’s health and well-being. These AHA resources highlight how hospitals can address their patients' social needs to achieve better health outcomes.

Maternal Mental HealthMental health and substance use issues are the leading underlying causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder are the most prominent complications of pregnancy, child birth, and postpartum; affecting 1 in 5 women. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and 50% of them are untreated.

Infant mortality rate in the U.S is on a rise. These resources showcase ways hospitals and health systems are preventing infant mortality within and outside hospital walls.

Rural populations have limited access and availability of quality maternity care. With many labor and delivery units closing, hospitals and health systems are exploring various ways to provide maternity care. AHA highlights stories from rural hospitals below.

A comprehensive and coordinated care approach among health care professionals can improve health outcomes. Resources below highlights ways hospitals and health systems are implementing diverse perspectives and skillsets to meet various needs of mothers and families.

In this webinar, the AHA convenes University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Corewell Health Children’s to discuss evidence-based practices and protocols emergency departments can implement to address the needs of children experiencing the impact of disasters.

Using digital strategies can expand reach of care and meet people where they are. These AHA resources explore the use of technology and digital solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.

Patients nationwide express a strong preference for health care services that are delivered under one roof whenever possible, and Banner Desert Medical Center has responded with brand new clinic designed to cater specifically to the needs of expectant mothers and their unborn babies.

The recent joining of resources between two regional hospitals will bring increased peace of mind to parents of newborns in the Laramie area of southeast Wyoming.