What Is the Safer Births PPH Collaborative?
The American Hospital Association (AHA) and Epic have joined forces to launch the Safer Births PPH Collaborative. This seven-month initiative directly supports hospitals in reducing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) — one of the leading causes of preventable maternal mortality in the United States. Together, the two organizations aim to equip clinical teams with the tools, strategies, and peer connections needed to improve outcomes for mothers after delivery.
This initiative brings structured learning and hands-on support under one program. Hospitals that participate gain access to expert guidance, proven best practices, and real-time troubleshooting — all designed to strengthen how care teams respond to PPH events.
Why Postpartum Hemorrhage Demands Urgent Action
The Scope of the Problem
Postpartum hemorrhage remains a critical threat to maternal health. It occurs when a mother loses more than 500 ml of blood after vaginal delivery or more than 1,000 ml following a cesarean section. PPH accounts for a significant share of maternal deaths globally and in the U.S., where maternal mortality rates have more than doubled since 1987.
The Role of Preventable Deaths
More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable. This sobering reality means that better preparation, faster clinical response, and smarter use of technology can save lives. Hospitals that adopt structured PPH protocols see measurable improvements in patient outcomes. The Safer Births PPH Collaborative directly responds to this gap.
Why EHR Integration Matters
Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems play a growing role in real-time clinical decision-making. When hospitals configure EHR tools effectively, clinicians receive timely alerts, standardized order sets, and clear documentation pathways. Epic’s platform, used by hundreds of health systems, offers specific functionality to support PPH detection and response. However, many hospitals have not fully activated or optimized these tools — and this collaborative aims to change that.
What Hospitals Can Expect from the Program
Monthly Expert-Led Sessions
The collaborative runs for seven months. Each month, participants attend expert-led webinar sessions. These sessions cover clinical strategies, EHR configuration best practices, and evidence-based tools for managing postpartum hemorrhage. Moreover, they create space for peer learning, enabling clinical teams to share what works across different hospital settings.
Interactive Forums and Peer Engagement
Beyond the formal sessions, the program offers interactive forums where participants connect with peers from hospitals across the country. These discussions help teams learn from shared challenges and successes. Peer engagement is a proven driver of clinical improvement, and the collaborative builds this directly into its structure.
Dedicated Office Hours with AHA and Epic
Participants also receive access to dedicated office hours with AHA and Epic teams. These sessions provide personalized guidance for individual hospitals. Teams can troubleshoot specific EHR configurations, review their PPH data, and get targeted support for performance improvement. This direct access sets the collaborative apart from standard training programs.
How EHR Tools Support PPH Management
Real-Time Clinical Decision Support
Epic’s EHR platform includes clinical decision support features that alert providers when hemorrhage risk thresholds are met. Configuring these tools correctly ensures that care teams act quickly and consistently. Standardized order sets reduce variation in treatment, while documentation tools help track blood loss accurately.
Closing the Configuration Gap
Many hospitals use only a fraction of available EHR capabilities. Consequently, clinical teams miss alerts that could trigger faster intervention. The Safer Births PPH Collaborative helps hospitals close this gap. AHA and Epic teams work directly with participants to activate and optimize the right tools for their specific workflows.
Supporting Quality Improvement Goals
Hospitals face increasing pressure to meet quality benchmarks for maternal care. By integrating PPH management tools into daily clinical workflows, teams build the habits and systems needed to perform consistently. Furthermore, this EHR-driven approach supports compliance with national maternal care standards and accreditation requirements.
How to Register and Get Started
Complete the Registration Form
Interested hospitals must complete the collaborative registration form available on the AHA website. After submission, participants receive a follow-up email with full program details, session schedules, and onboarding instructions. Registration is the first step toward joining a national network of hospitals committed to safer maternal care.
First Session: March 12, 2026
The inaugural monthly webinar takes place on March 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. ET. This first session will introduce the program framework, outline goals for the seven-month journey, and connect participants with AHA and Epic clinical experts. Hospitals should register early to secure their spot and prepare their teams for the kickoff.
Who Should Participate?
The collaborative suits a broad range of hospital stakeholders. Clinical leaders, OB/GYN department heads, maternal health coordinators, and EHR implementation teams all benefit from participation. Additionally, quality improvement officers and patient safety leads will find the program directly relevant to their goals.
Conclusion
The Safer Births PPH Collaborative represents a meaningful step forward in maternal safety. By combining the AHA’s advocacy expertise with Epic’s EHR capabilities, this initiative gives hospitals a practical, structured path to reducing postpartum hemorrhage deaths. Through monthly education, peer collaboration, and dedicated expert support, participating hospitals can strengthen their clinical response to one of the most urgent challenges in maternal care today.
