PCC has launched year two of a five-year quality improvement initiative as part of a grant from the Maryland Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Integrated Maternal Health Services (IMHS) initiative, funded by HRSA. Built on the principle of generating macro impact through micro changes, this statewide program focuses on improving perinatal access and quality, including in Maryland’s rural communities on the Eastern Shore. “Small steps can spark big change,” says Annie Olle, Senior Program Manager of Maternal Health at PCC and the program lead. “By embracing innovation and collaboration, we’re creating a future where every Maryland resident has access to the care they deserve.”
The initiative emphasizes practical, incremental improvements that collectively raise perinatal healthcare standards. Working with IMHS partners, PCC is improving care quality through simple, yet impactful, measures—such as converting handwritten and faxed forms into digital data submitted through CRISP, Maryland’s health information exchange. Currently, this process is being implemented at pilot sites and should significantly improve care coordination for patients as the program is expanded statewide.
Beyond digitization, the program seeks to identify and apply best practices statewide to ensure consistent, high-quality care. Two key areas under review are telehealth and strategic partnerships. Annie shared the story of a young mother whose child has special needs and must travel five hours round-trip from Salisbury to Annapolis for specialized care. According to Annie, “Our vision goes beyond digitization—we’re building partnerships and looking at options, including telehealth, to bring expert care closer to home for families across Maryland.”
The initiative expanded to Baltimore City in July 2025, and onboarding of pilot sites has started, with the goal of assessing and implementing strategies that elevate health standards in Central Maryland as well. Ultimately, the IMHS team aims to develop a comprehensive toolkit of best practices and lessons learned, ensuring every clinic and facility can benefit from proven strategies.
“Every small step we take today can change the future of perinatal healthcare for generations,” Annie says. “By embracing innovation, collaboration, and compassion, we’re building a system where every Maryland resident—no matter where they live—has access to the care they deserve. Together, these micro changes will create a macro impact that truly transforms lives.”
This publication was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,847,769.00 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the US Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
The initiative emphasizes practical, incremental improvements that collectively raise perinatal healthcare standards. Working with IMHS partners, PCC is improving care quality through simple, yet impactful, measures—such as converting handwritten and faxed forms into digital data submitted through CRISP, Maryland’s health information exchange. Currently, this process is being implemented at pilot sites and should significantly improve care coordination for patients as the program is expanded statewide.
Beyond digitization, the program seeks to identify and apply best practices statewide to ensure consistent, high-quality care. Two key areas under review are telehealth and strategic partnerships. Annie shared the story of a young mother whose child has special needs and must travel five hours round-trip from Salisbury to Annapolis for specialized care. According to Annie, “Our vision goes beyond digitization—we’re building partnerships and looking at options, including telehealth, to bring expert care closer to home for families across Maryland.”
The initiative expanded to Baltimore City in July 2025, and onboarding of pilot sites has started, with the goal of assessing and implementing strategies that elevate health standards in Central Maryland as well. Ultimately, the IMHS team aims to develop a comprehensive toolkit of best practices and lessons learned, ensuring every clinic and facility can benefit from proven strategies.
“Every small step we take today can change the future of perinatal healthcare for generations,” Annie says. “By embracing innovation, collaboration, and compassion, we’re building a system where every Maryland resident—no matter where they live—has access to the care they deserve. Together, these micro changes will create a macro impact that truly transforms lives.”
This publication was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,847,769.00 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the US Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
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