Maternal Health Awareness Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Maternal Health Awareness Day

WHEREAS, maternal health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of women during their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods, encompassing their physical, emotional, and mental health; and

WHEREAS, maternal health is a critical issue that affects families and communities across our nation, and in our Commonwealth, with disparities in maternal mortality rates highlighting the need for urgent action; and

WHEREAS, in 2021, there were 64 pregnancy-associated deaths in Virginia, and while that is a decrease from 82 in 2020, every single maternal death is an incredible tragedy; and

WHEREAS, the national pregnancy-associated death rate declined from 86.6 per 100,000 live births in 2020 to 66.9 per 100,000 in 2021; and

WHEREAS,maternal mortality rates are uneven across Virginia, and disparities exist with Black, Hispanic, and tribal communities, along with rural Virginians, underscoring the urgent need for clear data to target action; and

WHEREAS, over 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Virginia are medically preventable, with the leading causes including cardiac conditions, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders; and

WHEREAS, comprehensive and accurate data collection is essential for understanding and addressing maternal health disparities, supporting evidence-based interventions, and policies that improve outcomes and reduce maternal mortality; and

WHEREAS, raising awareness, advocating for better access to quality care, and promoting supportive policies are key to ensuring that all women in Virginia have the resources necessary for positive maternal health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, there have been intensifying efforts in the Commonwealth to improve maternal health by increasing awareness of maternal health programming, developing comprehensive resources with public and private agencies, and partnering with community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, to increase awareness of and access to services; and

WHEREAS, these programs and investments build upon the $500 million spent in the Commonwealth on maternal health care each year, primarily through Medicaid, but also through the Virginia Department of Health, and through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; and

WHEREAS, Virginia must effectively leverage data, forge partnerships, and raise awareness to resources to have Healthy Moms, Healthy Families, and Healthy Communities across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Maternal Health Awareness Day is observed on January 23rd each year to raise awareness about maternal health and to educate women, families, community members, and health providers about ways to protect and care for expectant mothers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize January 23, 2025, as MATERNAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.