Iowa

Updated: June 2026

Name of MHI Grantee Site: Iowa Maternal Health Innovation Program/Iowa Health and Human Services
State: Iowa
Organization Type: Health Department, Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Clinical Provider
HRSA Grant Service Areas/Priorities: Urban, Rural
MHI Key Contact: Sarah Hambright
MHI Key Contact Email: sarah.hambright@hhs.iowa.gov
MHI Grantee/Taskforce Website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/birth-maternal-care/programs

Innovation Description	Category Topic(s)
Initiation of MHI Maternal Health Partnership & IPQCC Community Advisory Board.	Community Engagement – Lived Experience & Storytelling Community Engagement – Advisory Groups & Listening Sessions
AIM Patient Safety Bundle Implementation and Sustainability.	Direct Clinical Care – AIM Patient Safety Bundles & QI Initiatives
ALSO training and in-situ obstetrical simulation training. The Iowa MHI Program is increasing training and simulation for obstetrical emergencies and preparedness with a focus on rural and low-volume facilities.	Workforce Training – Simulations & OB Emergency Preparedness Workforce Training – General Workforce Development Direct Clinical Care – Integrated Care Models
Expand and partner with the Iowa community and home birth populations to increase safety and implement a standardized transfer process for when hospital care is needed.	Direct Clinical Care – Integrated Care Models Workforce Training – Learning Collaboratives Workforce Training – Simulations & OB Emergency Preparedness
Engage Iowa nurses in rural and low-volume obstetrical facilities to participate in an obstetric fellowship hosted by the Iowa MHI program. The program focuses on perinatal readiness and clinical skills.	Direct Clinical Care – Integrated Care Models Workforce Training – Learning Collaboratives Workforce Training – General Workforce Development