The United States currently has the highest rates of maternal mortality and morbidity (3M) in the developed world. More than half of all maternal deaths and serious morbidities are preventable. Despite relative national wealth, significant racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities contribute substantially to overall poor maternal health outcomes in the United States. A community-based, life course approach to addressing health disparities in vulnerable populations is fundamental to identifying and implementing sustainable approaches to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity for women carrying the disproportionate burden of maternal morbidity and mortality. Engage organizations, networks and researchers that are firmly connected to and imbedded in communities with high levels of maternal morbidity and mortality. Provide funding for community informed implementation studies of evidence based interventions known to improve health and outcomes for women of reproductive age. Through the MH-CIP, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is supporting four community coalitions, comprised of research organizations and community partners, to engage communities and pilot test the implementation of proven interventions in vulnerable populations. In addition to community coalitions, the MH-CIP includes Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) and subject matter experts in both governance and guidance roles. Westat, the MH-CIP Administrative Coordinating Center (ACC) facilitates communication between project stakeholders and NHLBI, provides technical assistance, and engages in regular monitoring of coalitions’ achievement of key study milestones. To learn more about NHLBI’s other efforts and resources on improving maternal health and women’s health, visit the NHLBI's Heart Health and Pregnancy Page , Women’s Health Page and Advancing Women’s Heart Health Page