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Heartland Forward's Launch of the Maternal Resiliency Index

At the recent 2026 Heartland Summit held in Bentonville, Arkansas, Heartland Forward proudly announced the debut of its Maternal Resiliency Index. This groundbreaking tool is designed specifically to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes across the United States, providing policymakers with an interactive, open-access resource. Developed with the collaboration of prominent figures in the field, such as economist Emily Oster and Dr. Neel Shah, the index aims to equip leaders with essential data that directly influences their decision-making for improving health outcomes.

Addressing Maternal Health Challenges

As many are aware, the state of maternal health in America has been a pressing concern, with various socio-economic factors contributing to poor health outcomes. The Maternal Resiliency Index seeks to tackle this challenge by illustrating the disparities in maternal health across different states and counties. Through detailed data analysis, it pinpoints specific areas where health outcomes are either better or worse than expected, thus enabling targeted policy interventions.

Employees, community health managers, and policymakers can access the index to visualize the landscape of maternal health outcomes in their respective regions. The index categorizes the maternal health outcomes as worse than expected, as expected, or better than expected. This clear visual representation aids in strategic planning, allowing stakeholders to prioritize investments and infrastructure needed for maternal and child health improvements.

The Formula Behind Resiliency

The concept of resiliency in maternal health is defined within three core elements:
1. Stressors - Identifying risk factors and social determinants that adversely affect maternal health.
2. Supports - Highlighting protective policies and community resources that foster positive health outcomes.
3. Birth Outcomes - Evaluating data related to critical metrics such as preterm birth rates and cesarean statistics.

By integrating these components, the index offers a comprehensive view of how various local community factors contribute to maternal health outcomes. For instance, if a policymaker is considering expanding midwives' scope of practice, the index allows them to assess pertinent data related to prenatal care access and proximity to maternity care units.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, the Maternal Resiliency Index is set for expansion in 2027 to include a wider range of stakeholders, including philanthropists and employers. This broadened focus is aimed at illuminating the economic returns and overall impacts of investing in maternal health. Policymakers will gain insights into the potential health outcomes and investment returns tied to specific interventions, such as Medicaid reimbursements for doulas, thus facilitating more informed decisions.

Dr. Neel Shah emphasizes the strategic importance of investing in maternal health: "By improving maternal health, we not only enhance the well-being of mothers and children but also promote the prosperity of future generations in America. The Maternal Resiliency Index paves the way for identifying efficacious policies that will lead to tangible health improvements."

Emily Oster echoes this commitment to better information systems, stating, "The index transforms the often guesswork-based decision making into a science-backed approach, showcasing projected health impacts state by state."

The heart of this innovative initiative lies in the collaboration among diverse organizations and stakeholders aiming for the shared goal of improved maternal health outcomes, thus building healthier families, communities, and a stronger economy in the United States. Heartland Forward and its partners are steadfast in their mission to cut maternal mortality rates in half within five years, demonstrating a firm commitment to reshaping the future of maternal health in the U.S.

How to Access the Index

For those interested in exploring the Maternal Resiliency Index, it is now available for public access. Stakeholders can use this vital tool to examine their specific regions and identify meaningful changes to optimize maternal health outcomes.

Heartland Forward continues its dedication to fostering economic growth while addressing critical health issues that affect the heart of America. By implementing evidence-based solutions through tools like the Maternal Resiliency Index, they are shaping a more promising future for maternal and child health across the nation.