DE HCR79

Designates January 23, 2024 as Maternal Health Awareness Day in Delaware to raise awareness about maternal health, safety, and mortality issues.

Highlights racial disparities in maternal outcomes, with Black birthing persons accounting for 75% of pregnancy-related deaths despite representing 28% of all births in Delaware.

Notes that up to 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable and identifies cardiovascular disease, substance use disorder, and suicides as growing causes of maternal deaths.

Addresses healthcare workforce shortages, with Delaware projected to decrease from 65% to 55% adequacy across all health care workforce by 2036, and identifies one-third of U.S. counties as "maternity care deserts."

Recognizes the Delaware Quality Perinatal Collaborative, Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, and expansion of postpartum insurance coverage as collaborative efforts to improve maternal health outcomes.