RI H7322

Creates a 7-member Rhode Island Maternal Health Advisory Board (3 appointed by governor, 2 by senate president, 2 by house speaker) to oversee implementation of the statewide maternal health strategic plan and report annually beginning July 1, 2027

Requires the Department of Health to establish a maternal health data and surveillance unit to monitor maternal morbidity and mortality and track social/environmental determinants like housing stability, transportation access, and extreme weather exposure

Establishes a maternal health workforce development program offering scholarships, stipends, and loan repayment to expand training for midwives, doulas, and community birth workers, with priority for Aquidneck Island/Newport County, urban core communities, and underserved coastal areas

Authorizes competitive community grants to nonprofits, health centers, tribal nations, hospitals, and municipalities for prenatal navigation, doula programs, transportation assistance, and postpartum mental health services

Appropriates $2.7 million annually beginning FY 2026-2027: $1.2 million for workforce development, $750,000 for data/surveillance, $600,000 for community grants, and $150,000 for advisory board operations