In this episode of The West Steps, we’re discussing maternal health and maternal mortality in Colorado. Unfortunately, large regions of the state have been dubbed maternal care deserts because of their very limited access to perinatal health care. Pregnancy-associated deaths in our state are becoming more common. And many of these deaths are preventable.  

But Colorado has taken steps to address this situation in recent years – and in the 2024 legislative session, there are new efforts to make our state a better place for people in the perinatal period and their families. Toni Sarge, Director of Child and Family Health at the Colorado Children’s Campaign; Heather Thompson, Deputy Director at Elephant Circle; and Lauren Smith, Black Civic Engagement and Policy Manager at Soul 2 Soul Sisters join us to talk about two significant bills that aim to improve maternal health and perinatal health care in a variety of ways, from expanding access to midwifery care to improving our understanding of discrimination in the perinatal period.     

You can contact Toni Sarge at toni@coloradokids.org, Heather Thompson at heather@elephantcircle.org, and Lauren Smith at lauren@soul2soulsisters.org. Learn more about our work by visiting our website and social media (@coloradokidsorg).     

Resources:     

2024 Policy Priorities [2024 Legislative Session - Colorado Children's Campaign (coloradokids.org)]

The KidsFlash Blog [KidsFlash - Child Advocacy News | Colorado Children's Campaign (coloradokids.org)]    

2023 KIDS COUNT REPORT [2023 KIDS COUNT - Colorado Children's Campaign (coloradokids.org)]

Maternal Mortality in Colorado Report [FINAL 2023 MMPP Legislative Report.pdf - Google Drive]

Soul 2 Soul Sisters Homepage [Home • Soul 2 Soul Sisters]

Elephant Circle Homepage [Elephant Circle]

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