Who We Are
Compared to other developed countries, women and birthing individuals in the United States are more likely to experience a severe complication, have a poor birth experience, or die from pregnancy-related reasons. These risks are even higher for women and infants of color. The Department of Health established the Maternal and Infant Health Task Force in 2023 to explore and address these health outcomes in Anne Arundel County. The Task Force has released a strategic plan outlining the solutions that county partners will prioritize to improve the health and well-being during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
The role of the Task Force is to:
- Provide oversight for maternity health outcomes
- Convene partners to share data and identify opportunities for shared work and efficiencies across systems
- Develop and implement a strategic plan that addresses the needs assessment and community priorities
- Create communications to engage with high-risk populations
- Track countywide goals and impact measures
Co-Chairs
Tonii Gedin, RN, DNP
Health Officer
Anne Arundel County
Department of Health
Monica Jones, MD
Gynecologic Oncologist
Chair of Luminis Health
Women’s and Children’s Services
Task Force Membership:
The Task Force includes three dozen representatives across 15 organizations who engage in monthly meetings to collaborate on solutions and track progress. Department of Health staff lead strategic planning, facilitate meetings and build out community outreach. Task Force members engage in monthly coalition and workgroup meetings to implement the seven objectives of the strategic plan to advance education, awareness and care improvement.
Community Advisory Council:
In addition to the Task Force, Anne Arundel County has a maternity Community Advisory Council (CAC) made up of community members with lived experience. These individuals, all women of color, lead as local experts on maternal health needs and provide information on the work of the Task Force. The CAC meets monthly and receives compensation for their time and participation.
What We Do
In fall 2025, the Task Force released its strategic plan to address maternal and infant health disparities.
Vision Statement: We envision a county community where all women, birthing persons and their families feel heard, informed, supported and have access to equitable, empathetic care during the entire perinatal period.
Mission Statement: To leverage community resources, address barriers to accessing care and drive change in health care practices and perinatal education to improve health outcomes of women, birthing persons and babies.
Improve Care:
Improve care coordination and delivery to prevent and provide timely response to pregnancy-associated morbidities, mortalities and mental health needs.
- Coordinate care for perinatal mental health needs.
- Improve prenatal care availability, quality and coordination.
- Coordinate care after delivery to provide support out to one year postpartum.
- Provide culturally competent care that is person-specific and rooted in trust.
Education and Awareness:
Provide perinatal education and information to ensure families, members of their support network and their providers are informed and supported.
- Educate and screen for perinatal mental health needs.
- Increase education about postpartum issues, warning signs and resources.
- Streamline data collection, reporting and communications across health systems.
Community Advisory Council Priorities
The Advisory Council has decided on three priority areas to focus their work around, in connection with the Task Force.
- Community building
- Education and outreach
- Advocacy