July 28, 2026

Maternal mortality review highlights substance use disorder, care coordination, and equity gaps

Substance use disorder was the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in Massachusetts from 2019–2024, according to recent findings from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee. The review also found that 85% of maternal deaths were preventable and identified care coordination, continuity of care, and racial disparities as key contributing factors. Learn how the Committee's findings are informing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across the Commonwealth.

Read the story and see the video

Strengthening workforce well-being across Massachusetts through peer support partnerships

The Betsy Lehman Center is partnering with two organizations to expand access to peer support in different healthcare settings across Massachusetts. NeighborHealth and Care Dimensions have joined the Virtual Peer Support Network, working with the Center to train staff and promote the resource to clinicians and staff in their organizations.

NeighborHealth is a federally qualified community health center serving communities across greater Boston. Care Dimensions is the Commonwealth’s largest provider of hospice, palliative care, and grief support services.

Read how NeighborHealth and Care Dimensions are using peer support to strengthen workforce well-being.

Featured resource

New PFAC onboarding materials

Learn the fundamentals of Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) through this five-part video series from the Betsy Lehman Center. Each video is paired with a downloadable one-page resource that highlights key concepts, practical tips, and best practices for meaningful patient and family engagement in healthcare.

See the videos and handouts

Upcoming events

Aug. 12

11 a.m.

Advancing Reliability Through Growth and Fiscal Challenge. Press Ganey and UCI Health will discuss strategies to sustain high reliability through organizational growth, financial pressures, and operational changes. Register here

Sept. 9

3 - 4 p.m.

Building a Sustainable Safety System: Governance, Strategy, and Spread. AHRQ’s National Action Alliance hosts this webinar on embedding safety into long-term organizational structures and oversight. Register here

Oct. 5 - 7

DEX26: Diagnostic Excellence 2026. This in-person event at Simmons University in Boston will bring together experts, researchers, educators, and patients working to advance diagnostic excellence. Register here

The Betsy Lehman Center is a Massachusetts state agency that supports providers, patients and policymakers working together to advance the safety and quality of health care.

BetsyLehmanCenterMA.gov