About
The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee reviews all instances where a person dies while pregnant or up to one year after the end of pregnancy(e.g. abortion, stillborn, live birth). The Committee reviews all cases, no matter how the person died and makes recommendations to help prevent future deaths.
The Committee reviews health records from each death to understand the circumstances and see what could have been done differently. In 2023, the program started meeting with family members of those who died. Family and close relatives know about their loved one’s strengths and unique life story and can share information that is not in a medical record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about the Department’s outreach to next of kin.
What is the purpose of contacting me?
- The purpose of contacting you is to invite you to share your loved one's story, which can provide additional information for the Committee's review. Your story will help the Committee make better recommendations for policy changes, public and community health services, and health care services for expecting parents and families during the prenatal and postpartum period. This is not part of a legal, criminal, or immigration investigation.
How did you find my contact information?
- You were listed as the emergency health contact or the family member on your loved one’s health records. Your loved one may have listed your name, phone number, and/or address. You may have been identified through other resources connected to your loved one, such as online remembrance pages. We aim to engage individuals by inviting them to share their loved one’s story via email, mail, phone, and Facebook Messenger. Facebook Messenger is used to reach close relatives and ensure they receive an invitation effectively.
If I respond and share my loved one’s story voluntarily, who will I talk with and how?
- You will speak one-on-one with a specialist from the Maternal Mortality Prevention Program team.
- This meeting will be scheduled when it is most convenient for you.
- There are several meeting options including:
- video call
- phone call
- in-person
How does sharing my loved one's story benefit me, my family, and my community?
- The information you share is an important form of advocacy for parents, families, and children in our state. Many grieving family members find it helpful to talk about what happened. Many grieving family members find it important that their loved one's life and experiences are accurately portrayed in maternal mortality reviews. You will have the chance to provide feedback on what could have been done differently to help prevent this tragedy. This information will help the Maternal Mortality Review Committee make more accurate determinations about the circumstances of the death, and to make stronger recommendations to help prevent future deaths.
- The recommendations of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee improve public health and maternal health care in communities. For example, in Colorado, maternal mortality recommendations helped to support pregnancy Medicaid coverage being extended from 60 days to one year postpartum for those who are pregnant. In other states, recommendations have helped support home visiting programs, telehealth visits, and paid leave from work for those who are pregnant.
- Maternal mortality prevention and reduction in Colorado requires institutions, communities, and families to work together to address health disparities in maternal health and wellness.
What other states are inviting family and friends to tell their loved one’s story?
- Meetings are happening in many states, including Mississippi, Georgia, and New Jersey.
- Many other states are preparing to launch meetings so that close relatives’ stories can be included in maternal mortality reviews.
Why are you unable to disclose information to me regarding my loved one?
- To protect your privacy and honor the memory of your loved one, the Maternal Mortality Review Committee ensures that all information provided remains confidential and anonymous throughout the review process. Rest assured that any details shared about your loved one are treated with the utmost respect and in compliance with CDPHE policies and HIPAA regulations.
Questions
- Contact the Maternal Mortality Prevention Program by emailing us at cdphe_maternalmortality_program@state.co.us.