Campaign helps new parents recognize when mothers need medical care

In response to the rising U.S. maternal mortality rate, this week the Joint Commission released Speak Up for New Parents, an educational campaign designed to help parents become aware of warning signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for medical help. The Speak Up campaign provides information on how to spot signs of hypertension and preeclampsia, hemorrhage, infection and depression, as well as tips to address each of these medical issues. Organizations may reproduce and disseminate campaign materials if they credit the Joint Commission. Effective January 1, 2021, the Joint Commission implemented new requirements related to maternal safety and began to publicly report on two perinatal care measures. (Joint Commission news release, 2/16/21)