Public Comments for: HB1976 - High-risk pregnant patients; remote patient monitoring services available to patients.
Letter of support for HB 1976
The Virginia NAACP strongly supports HB1976, the Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program, for the following key reasons: 1. Maternal health disparities are a critical issue for communities of color, particularly Black women, who face significantly higher rates of maternal mortality. According to studies, Black women in Virginia are more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. The bill seems to focus on addressing hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy, which are among the leading causes of maternal complications, and disproportionately affect Black and Latina women. By providing remote monitoring, this pilot program aims to help identify and manage these conditions early, reducing the risks for both mothers and babies. 2. Remote patient monitoring is particularly beneficial for rural and low-income communities where access to healthcare services is often limited. This program would make it easier for women to receive consistent care and monitoring without the burden of traveling long distances to appointments. Black and Brown communities often face systemic barriers to accessing timely, quality care. This pilot program would provide an important step toward improving healthcare access and ensuring that all women, regardless of race or income, receive the care they need during pregnancy. 3. The NAACP has long advocated for health equity, and this program directly aligns with that goal. By focusing on hypertension and diabetes, two conditions that can be controlled with appropriate care and early intervention, the program aims to reduce the inequities in maternal health outcomes.
See attached letter
See attached for Philips comment letter. Thanks!
See attached letter.
Comments Document
See attached for written testimony. Thank you!