New public tool provides data on maternal and infant health as Orange County’s low-birthweight rate continues to exceed the national average
August 25, 2026 – The West Orange Maternal Health Collaborative — a network of physicians, midwives, community health centers, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and local government partners — today announced the launch of its new Maternal Health Dashboard, a free, public tool that brings together local data on maternal and infant health outcomes, access to care, and community disparities in one place.
Research continues to show that low-birthweight rates in Orange County continue to exceed the national average. The dashboard is designed to provide partners and residents a common, evidence-based view of where gaps exist and where the community’s resources can have the greatest impact.
“Every organization working to support moms and babies in West Orange brings something different to the table,” said Karen Carlson, Director of Strategic Exploration and Innovation, Foundation for a Healthier West Orange. “This dashboard puts all relevant information in one place, so we’re better equipped to address our community’s needs, together.”
The West Orange Maternal Health Collaborative was formed in August 2025 after local health leaders, nonprofits, and community members came together to ask a hard question: how can West Orange close the gaps in prenatal and maternal care?
Rather than start new programs from scratch, the Collaborative’s approach is rooted in identifying barriers, recognizing strengths already present across the community, and connecting the dots between existing efforts. The new dashboard is the clearest expression of that approach: a single, shared source of truth that any organization can use to align its work.
“The West Orange Maternal Health Collaborative is living the vision of care for the most vulnerable in our community in a way that has never been accomplished – tying all resources together for one goal and ease of use for the people in need,” said Maggie Bonko, Vice President, Orlando Health; President, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital.
The Maternal Health Dashboard tracks local trends in maternal and infant health outcomes, disparities across neighborhoods and populations, and access to prenatal and postpartum care and resources. Community members, healthcare providers, and partner organizations can use the dashboard to identify service gaps, coordinate care, and target resources where they will do the most good.
“Every mother and baby deserves the opportunity for a healthy start,” said Aimee Keller-Pickford, Chief Executive Officer, AdventHealth Winter Garden. “Improving maternal and infant health takes more than one organization – it requires a community working together with a shared purpose. This dashboard gives us the insights we need to better understand where the greatest needs exist so we can strengthen partnerships, expand access to whole-person care and help ensure families across West Orange have the support they need to thrive.”
Members of the West Orange Maternal Health Collaborative include AdventHealth, Community Health Centers of Orange County, Commonsense Childbirth, the Florida Department of Health – Orange County, Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, Healthy Start Coalition, HUBB by Healthy West Orange, Orlando Health and True Health.
“For years, we’ve built our model around one belief: every mom deserves access, respect, and quality care, so no one is ever turned away,” said Jennie Joseph, founder, midwife and CEO at Commonsense Childbirth, serving West Orange County since 1997. “What’s been missing is a shared way to see where that access breaks down across our community. This dashboard changes that. It’s not just data, it’s a roadmap for where the Collaborative, and every partner in it, needs to show up next.”
The Maternal Health Dashboard was funded in part by 100 Women Strong at the Central Florida Foundation and the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange. The dashboard is publicly available at fhwo.org/maternalhealth.
About the West Orange Maternal Health Collaborative
The West Orange Maternal Health Collaborative brings together local physicians, midwives, community health centers, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and government partners to improve the health of moms and babies across West Orange County, Florida. Formed in 2025, the collaborative’s vision is a community where every mom has access to timely, high-quality prenatal care. Members include AdventHealth, Community Health Centers of Orange County, Commonsense Childbirth, the Florida Department of Health – Orange County, Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, Healthy Start Coalition, HUBB by Healthy West Orange, Orlando Health, and True Health.
About the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange
The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange invests in and champions initiatives that support the health and well-being of our community. A trusted community leader, the Foundation brings together an engaged network of business, government, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, not-for-profits and healthcare professionals. To learn more about the Foundation’s vision to cultivate the healthiest community in the nation, visit fhwo.org.
Media Contact
Wendy J. Roundtree, 407-412-8390