The bottom line:
A new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute revealed major gaps in maternity care access across Utah. Now, state leaders are turning that data into action—by putting communities in the driver’s seat.
Why it matters
Access to quality maternity care can be critical, especially in rural and underserved areas. The findings highlighted where care is falling short—and where targeted, community-driven solutions can make the biggest difference.
What’s happening
- The approach: present the data to rural hospitals and health organizations statewide, ask questions, gather feedback, and identify local leaders ready to help drive change.
- The goal: create solutions that work for families—especially in areas where access to care has been limited—and ensure those solutions are shaped by the people they’ll affect.
What’s next
In November, more than 90 maternal and child health leaders will gather at the Rural Health Association of Utah conference to help create a statewide roadmap for better access to care.
That roadmap won’t belong to any one agency or system—it will belong to Utah’s communities, and they’ll be the ones to move it forward.
The big picture
“We want to make sure that those who are in the field and know that community are driving those changes and those decisions,” West said. “I feel really hopeful, and I also know that the community and the state is hungry for this and they want to see better access to maternity care.”
Learn more
Visit the Utah Rural Health website for a link to the full report and more information on maternal health initiatives and resources.