A Million Moments, One Shared Mission: Preventing Maternal Death in Kansas

One preventable maternal death is too many. According to the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, 77% of pregnancy-related deaths occurring in Kansas between 2016 and 2022 were preventable. Behavioral health disorders and substance use are the leading contributors of maternal mortality and morbidity in Kansas. During the 92-week perinatal period spanning from conception to the first postpartum year, there are a million moments in which critical interventions such as increased screenings, care coordination, and patient education can save mothers’ lives.

“Maternal mortality is not just a statistic—it represents families and communities forever changed by preventable loss. Every mother is at increased risk of experiencing serious health concerns, intimate partner or domestic violence, and other preventable conditions and situations during pregnancy and postpartum. Everyone has a role to play in prevention and intervention, from supporting local policy improvements to simply listening and advocating for the mothers in our lives,” said Jennifer Guarino, research project manager.

Starting Thursday, August 7, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and a dedicated planning committee will host the first Million Moments for Maternal Mortality Prevention conference. Partially funded by Kansas Connecting Communities (KCC), the two-day conference will highlight the many factors that contribute to maternal death, including physical and mental health conditions, substance use, intimate partner violence, and the systems that shape care and access.

This conference is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the work of the Center for Public Partnerships and Research (CPPR) and the result of several years of intensive partnership building through KCC. Conference planning was supported by lived experts, community members, and more than 12 partnering agencies, programs, committees, and initiatives from healthcare, behavioral health, intimate partner/domestic violence advocacy, and community-based service settings.

Guarino added, “A Million Moments for Maternal Mortality Prevention is about harnessing small, actionable moments that add up to meaningful improvements—preventing tragedy and improving outcomes for mothers, babies, and families.”