AHA, AONL voice support for Momnibus Act

Members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus this week introduced a package of bills supported by the AHA and its American Organization for Nursing Leadership to prevent maternal mortality and racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes. 
 
“America’s hospitals and health systems applaud Representative Lauren Underwood for her thoughtful leadership on improving maternal health through these important bills, collectively known as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act,” said AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels. “These innovative proposals to address workforce challenges, the social determinants of health, behavioral health, cultural competency, and the unique needs of underserved communities, would promote optimal maternal health for all women. The proposals would be particularly beneficial to women of color, who experience disproportionate rates of mortality and morbidity. The American Hospital Association stands ready to work with Representative Underwood and her colleagues to advance these important and timely measures.” 
 
In a letter of support, AONL CEO Robyn Begley said, “The Momnibus Act invests in community-based organizations, supports care coordination, and collects data on maternal mortality and morbidity in minority and underserved populations. It also provides funding to diversify the maternal and perinatal nursing workforce to reflect the patient population served, creates a perinatal care alternative payment model demonstration project and ends the shacking of pregnant incarcerated individuals.”