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HR 5154

HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JANUARY 23, 2025, TO BE "MATERNAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Blazejewski and 9 co-sponsors

Designates January 23, 2025 as Maternal Health Awareness Day in Rhode Island to boost public awareness and support ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality and disparities.

01/23/2025 House read and passed
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Bill Summary · HR 5154

Summary of HR 5154 — Maternal Health Awareness Day (Rhode Island)

Overview

  • Bill: HR 5154
  • Title: House Resolution proclaiming January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island
  • Type: Resolution (non-binding)
  • Status: House read and passed on January 23, 2025
  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Purpose: Recognize and promote awareness of maternal health, its challenges, and ongoing state efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity

What the bill would do

  • Declares January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island.
  • Encourages public awareness of maternal health risks and factors contributing to maternal mortality and morbidity.
  • Recognizes the importance of prenatal care, access to comprehensive pregnancy-related services, and collaboration among state programs and health organizations to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.

Background and rationale referenced in the measure

The resolution provides context including:
- Maternal health encompasses women’s health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods.
- Many maternal deaths are preventable nationwide; severe maternal morbidity can have lasting health consequences.
- Rhode Island’s maternal morbidity/mortality data and trends are discussed in relation to national rates and disparities, including higher concerns among Black women.
- The state’s ongoing efforts to collect and review maternal deaths via the Pregnancy & Post-Partum Death Review Committee.
- Notable maternal health statistics cited: cesarean delivery accounted for about one-third of births in 2023; at least 5% of Rhode Island births involve prenatal exposure to substances.
- Rhode Island’s collaborations with health systems and organizations (e.g., PNQC, AIM Rhode Island, Rhode Island Prematurity Task Force) to implement evidence-based maternal health initiatives.

Key provisions and impact

  • Proclamation only; no new duties, regulations, or funding obligations are attached to the state beyond formal recognition.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Stacy Paterno, Executive Vice President of the Rhode Island Medical Society.
  • Aims to elevate public and professional awareness and support ongoing state initiatives to reduce maternal mortality, severe morbidity, and related disparities.

Who is affected

  • General public awareness in Rhode Island, with particular emphasis on pregnant people, families, healthcare providers, and health systems.
  • State agencies, healthcare organizations, and professional societies involved in maternal health to leverage awareness for policy and practice improvements.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Referred to: House Transportation and Infrastructure; Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management
  • Committee action and subsequent referrals occurred in September 2025
  • Status: As of the record, the House has read and passed the measure (January 23, 2025)

Notes on sponsor information

  • The document lists introducing representatives (Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Felix, Chippendale, Tanzi, Cruz, Kislak, Casimiro, Diaz, Stewart).
  • A separate “Sponsors” section lists different individuals (Ed Case, Nancy Pelosi, Kevin Mullin) which appears inconsistent with Rhode Island context and may reflect an error in the provided text.

Bottom line

HR 5154 is a concise, non-binding resolution that designates Maternal Health Awareness Day in Rhode Island and endorses ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities through awareness and collaboration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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