North Carolina is one of nine states to receive the Maternal Health Innovation (MHI) Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). First awarded in 2019, this five-year federal grant was renewed in September 2024 to fund contractors around the state to develop innovative strategies to address disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality. CCLCF is honored to host the Perinatal Champion for Region V. North Carolina is divided into six Perinatal Regions throughout the state; Region V encompasses the Southeastern corridor of the state and includes nine birthing hospitals, 14 health departments, and numerous perinatal provider offices.

The Perinatal Nurse Champion (PNC) works to improve maternal morbidities and mortalities through best-practice education and resources. The PNC connects with regional healthcare workers and community organizations to identify and share resources on evidence-based approaches to obstetric emergencies, supporting improved transitions from postpartum to primary care, and providing stakeholder education through fetal monitoring classes and obstetrical simulations The PNC also advances new initiatives focused on empathy-building (The Empathy Experience), care-based escape rooms, and hypertension awareness. This collaborative, education-driven role strengthens healthcare organizations to improve birthing outcomes across Region V and the state.