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The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health today recognized , including AHA-member hospitals and health systems, for their effective programs to monitor and provide follow-up care for hypertensive disorders to pregnant and postpartum women. The honorees will now focus on successfully expanding and replicating the programs in communities or clinical settings.

“Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of maternal death and is responsible for over 33% of pregnancy-related deaths,” said Dorothy Fink, M.D., deputy assistant secretary for women’s health and director of the HHS office. “Both maternal and infant mortality are key indicators of health and wellness within communities. If we can expand access to care and innovative treatments during pregnancy and after delivery, we create healthier futures for mothers, their babies, and their families.”