NEWTON, Kan., (May 22, 2025) – NMC Health is proud to announce it has achieved Gold Level recognition in Kansas’ Fourth Trimester Initiative (FTI), which is among the highest accolades awarded in the state. This acknowledgement is part of a significant maternal quality improvement project focused on optimizing postpartum care and lowering preventable complications across Kansas.
Led by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KPQC), this initiative was established in response to disturbing figures from the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Their research indicated that, between 2016 and 2020, over half (52.4%) of all pregnancy-associated deaths happened more than 42 days post-delivery.
“We are committed to providing exceptional care throughout the entire maternal journey, at NMC Health,” said Chief Clinical Officer Heather Porter. “Attaining Gold Level recognition reflects our team’s devotion to employing evidence-based practices that ensure mothers have comprehensive care during the perilous postpartum period. This initiative has reinforced our ability to screen successfully and intervene effectively—resulting in better outcomes for the families we serve.”
To reach Gold Level status, NMC Health successfully initiated seven to nine elements of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Postpartum Discharge Transition patient safety bundle. These elements focus on improving quality care and strengthening provider communication and collaboration as patients shift from pregnancy to post-delivery. NMC Health received specialized training and assistance to implement the FTI evidence-based practices.
NMC Health will continue using these practices to improve health in our community through better maternal outcomes. This Gold Level recognition signifies our ongoing commitment to making our state and hospital one of the best places to Give Birth, Be Born, and Raise a Family.
For more information about maternal health efforts in Kansas, please visit https://kansaspqc.kdhe.ks.gov/ or contact the AIM Coordinator at Michelle.Black@ks.gov.
