Ob Hospitalist Group and March of Dimes Team Up to Improve Maternity Care in the U.S.

Increasing Access to Maternity Care: A New Initiative

In a significant development aimed at improving maternity care access across the United States, Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG) has announced a two-year collaborative effort with the non-profit organization March of Dimes. This partnership targets the ongoing challenges faced by moms and babies, particularly in areas classified as maternity care deserts.

Understanding the Maternity Care Crisis

A recent report by March of Dimes highlights a troubling reality: one in three counties in the U.S. lacks adequate maternity care, a statistic that has remained largely unchanged since 2016. The report identifies the availability of healthcare providers, particularly obstetric clinicians, as a critical factor affecting access to vital maternity services. With a significant number of counties seeing a decline in obstetric care, the need for immediate action has never been clearer.

Mark N. Simon, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer of OBHG, expressed the urgency of the situation by stating, “Reliable obstetric care is becoming harder to sustain in too many communities.” With this partnership, OBHG aims to develop flexible care models that will result in better support for local healthcare providers, ultimately enhancing maternity services and outcomes.

Innovative Solutions for Hospitals

The collaboration between OBHG and March of Dimes seeks not only to raise awareness but also to implement practical solutions. OBHG plans to leverage its expertise in hospital-based obstetric care to address the factors contributing to the workforce shortage. This includes employing certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and OB-GYNs to expand access in underserved areas where maternity care is desperately needed.

Additionally, OBHG’s Maternal Health Access Solutions aim to tailor healthcare models to meet the unique needs of different communities. This includes offering 24/7 OB hospitalist programs and telehealth services to ensure that maternal-fetal medicine is accessible even in remote locations. The goal is to minimize barriers and enhance services for families at risk due to a lack of local healthcare resources.

Addressing Burnout and Retaining Talent

A crucial aspect of sustaining maternity care involves addressing the burnout experienced by current maternal health providers. As the hospital workforce faces unprecedented challenges, ensuring their well-being is equally important to maintaining maternity services. Lisa A. Bukovac, D.O., OBHG's Chief Clinical Officer, emphasizes the need to create a work-life balance for clinicians. This not only aids in retaining experienced providers but also improves the quality of care.

During the two-year partnership, both organizations will explore strategies to attract new talent while ensuring that existing staff have the support they require to thrive. By focusing on innovative business models that incorporate the strengths of both physicians and midwives, OBHG can help safeguard the availability of caring, compassionate maternal healthcare in local communities.

A Shared Vision for the Future

This partnership between OBHG and March of Dimes is not just about improving access; it is about ensuring that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve. As they work together to tackle the persistent barriers faced by expectant families, both organizations are committed to elevating the standards of care and ensuring a brighter future for maternal health.

The findings of the March of Dimes’ 2026 report shed light on the critical importance of collective action to address these issues effectively. The collaboration aims to integrate research and practical experience, focusing on implementing solutions that resonate with the needs of communities.

For further information on their efforts, visit March of Dimes and learn more about OB Hospitalist Group’s programs at OBHG. Through these combined efforts, the hope is to safeguard and enhance maternal health services nationwide, ensuring that all mothers and their babies have the best possible start in life.