DPH launches payer "community of learning" and commissioners say $220,000 appropriation falls short

Christina (Division Director for pregnancy, infancy and early childhood at the Department of Public Health) told the commission that DPH is launching a payer-focused community-of-learning program — running through July — to educate payers and regulators about community birth, community midwifery, payer practices and how to sustain birth centers.

Christina said current programs addressing substance use and perinatal support include 11 'Moms Do Care' programs and six 'First Steps Together' programs across the state; she stressed that perinatal mental health and substance use are leading contributors to maternal deaths in Massachusetts and argued that more than the $220,000 appropriated this year is necessary to meet community needs.

She reported that 35 organizations applied for funding in February and that many applicants could use at least $220,000, making the current appropriation insufficient. DPH and the women's caucus will discuss funding needs later in the day, and the division plans to share more information with the commission.

Commissioners asked for provider briefings so regulators understand services provided by birthing centers and community midwives, and several members urged better integration of clinicians on the commission. Staff said links and materials will be circulated and that the commission could request presentations from birthing centers or community providers at future meetings.

Commissioners framed budget season as an opportunity to press for workforce and program funding to implement the maternal health law.