The Wellmark Foundation and Iowa Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative launch statewide program to strengthen maternal and infant health care

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The Wellmark Foundation’s support helps Iowa birthing hospitals expand quality improvement efforts and improve outcomes for moms and babies.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Wellmark Foundation, in partnership with the Iowa Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (IPQCC), announced its support for the newly launched IPQCC Engagement Program — a statewide effort that helps hospitals improve care for mothers and newborns, especially those with fewer resources.

The program aims to make sure every mother and child in Iowa have the best possible start. Hospitals in rural areas and those serving a higher number of Medicaid-covered births often have fewer resources for data reporting, implementation and sustained quality and safety infrastructure. Through participation in the IPQCC program, hospitals strengthen facility-level quality measures, share best practices and build lasting systems of care.

Hospitals participating in the engagement program will receive financial support that allows them to maximize IPQCC’s resources and coaching, making quality work achievable. They can earn tiered awards based on their engagement, such as submitting data, putting evidence-based practices in place and building strong perinatal safety systems.

“The IPQCC team frequently sees Iowa hospital leaders stretched across many responsibilities. Even the most dedicated leaders often struggle to prioritize quality improvement work because of limited time and resources,” said Dr. Stephanie Radke, executive director, IPQCC. “We are thrilled that The Wellmark Foundation is supporting Iowa hospitals in more deeply engaging with IPQCC quality improvement initiatives. Improving the quality of health care is a critical strategy for reducing maternal and infant mortality in Iowa, and we are confident this investment will help more hospitals advance that work.”

“Iowa families deserve consistent, high‑quality maternal and infant care no matter where they live,” said State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse. “This program helps hospitals build the systems and practices that make that possible, and we’re grateful for the partnership that supports this important work.”

By supporting long-term quality improvements, The Wellmark Foundation’s investment helps hospitals overcome resource challenges and keeps families closer to home for maternal care.

“Strong beginnings to life and motherhood start with strong systems of care,” said Laura Jackson, executive vice president of Health Improvement at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and chair of The Wellmark Foundation. “Through Dr. Radke’s leadership and this public-private partnership, we are helping hospitals of all sizes strengthen their quality and safety efforts, share best practices and build lasting capacity. Together, we're creating conditions for healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries and brighter futures for Iowa families within the communities they call home. It’s an honor for The Wellmark Foundation to help make that possible.”

The work of this program is especially important in Iowa, where more than one-third of counties have limited or no maternity care services (March of Dimes, 2025).