Strong Start & Beyond
ABOUT OUR MOVEMENT
Strong Start & Beyond is a bold movement to reduce California’s maternal mortality rate 50% by December 2026.
By leveraging our state’s investments and partnerships, Strong Start & Beyond is focused on fostering awareness, encouraging active participation in health, and building access to resources for mothers, pregnant people, and their families.
WHY IT MATTERS
Over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. A movement to reduce maternal mortality is not only necessary – it’s urgent. By helping Californians access valuable resources, we can save countless lives and transform the future of maternal health and well-being in California.
A mother’s behavioral and physical health has a big impact on their pregnancy journey
Leading causes of death in California mothers
KEY OBJECTIVES
Reduce Maternal Mortality 50% by 2026
The primary goal is to halve maternal deaths in California by December 2026 with a focus on addressing chronic conditions like heart disease and behavioral health disorders, some of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths.
Educate and Empower Reproductive-Age Individuals
California is developing resources, including an at-home pregnancy medical risk questionnaire, to help individuals understand their potential pregnancy-related risks and make informed health decisions.
READ THE CALIFORNIA BLUEPRINT
The California Maternal Health Blueprint is intended to bring attention to and elevate maternal mortality as a top public health priority for the state of California. The Blueprint is but one of a number of state-sponsored efforts to address issues of maternal health that builds upon the foundation of proven, evidence-based programs and initiatives throughout California communities, healthcare settings, and all levels of government.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
By partnering with Strong Start & Beyond, you are helping to generate awareness and empower Californians with critical resources so they may deliver their children while maintaining the safety of themselves and their children.
Take the first step today.
YOUR PARTNERSHIP MEANS
Empowering your community by supporting safe pregnancies and births for mothers and pregnant people to help protect the health of both parent and child.
A commitment to streamlining existing resources and programs that California offers expectant mothers so they can find everything they need more efficiently and effectively.
Elevating support for behavioral health resources– behavioral health problems are a contributing factor for roughly 10-15% of pregnancy related deaths.
Strengthening partnerships between healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and the communities they serve.
PARTNERSHIP PRINCIPLES
The following principles will serve as a north star for partners to ensure alignment with the Strong Start & Beyond movement.
1. Awareness and Education
Partners will utilize their platforms to share information about Strong Start & Beyond with their networks to help educate others about the movement.
2. Inclusivity and Equity
Partners will champion Strong Start & Beyond’s mission of inclusivity and equity. With Black women and other women of color historically experiencing higher maternal mortality rates than other groups, it is crucial to provide resources and spread awareness through a culturally sensitive lens.
RESOURCES
Key information and resources to support educators, parents, and students.
Download the Fact Sheet.
Ready-to-use resources to help promote the movement across various social platforms.
View the Social Media Toolkit.
Official announcements and updates about the program for media and public use.
Read the Press Release.
The Strong Start & Beyond monthly newsletter provides information and resources on the movement’s latest efforts.
Read the Newsletter.
WHO IS INVOLVED?
FEEDBACK
The Office of the California Surgeon General welcomes your partnership and feedback. Please direct any questions, comments, and/or recommendations to StrongStartAndBeyond@osg.ca.gov.