RI S2358

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 starting July 1, 2027

Establishes a maternal health data and surveillance unit to monitor maternal morbidity and mortality, track social and environmental determinants of health, and produce annual outcomes reports

Creates a workforce development program offering scholarships, stipends, and loan repayment to expand training for midwives, doulas, community birth workers, and bilingual/culturally concordant providers, with priority given to Aquidneck Island, Newport County, urban core communities, and underserved coastal areas

Authorizes competitive community grants for prenatal navigation services, doula programs, transportation assistance for medical appointments, postpartum mental health support, and home-visiting 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