Haywood Regional Medical Center Launches Special Delivery Program to Improve Maternal Health and Save Lives

Haywood Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of the Special Delivery Program, a new initiative focused on improving postpartum care and reducing maternal mortality. Through this program, postpartum patients will receive wristbands to wear for six weeks after delivery, serving as a visual reminder to remain vigilant about their health and seek timely care if complications arise.

This innovative program reflects HRMC’s commitment to supporting maternal health by emphasizing early intervention and increasing awareness of risks during the postpartum period. The wristbands act as a simple but powerful tool—alerting patients, families, and healthcare professionals that postpartum monitoring remains essential well beyond the delivery room.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2022 was 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births—far higher than in other high-income countries. Even more concerning, the rate for Black women was significantly higher at 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Many serious complications—such as anemia, hypertension, cardiac issues, and infections—can develop days or weeks after childbirth. In fact, 53% of pregnancy-related deaths occur between 7 and 365 days postpartum. The Special Delivery Program helps address this by ensuring providers are aware of recent pregnancies and by empowering patients to advocate for their health.

“The Special Delivery Program is a meaningful step forward in supporting postpartum health,” said LaCrystal Gordon, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer for HRMC. “By providing tools for early identification of potential complications and encouraging community awareness, we are enhancing care during a critical time. This program underscores our dedication to improving health outcomes and ensuring that every postpartum individual has the resources and support they need.”

Before leaving the hospital, postpartum patients at HRMC will receive a Special Delivery wristband. This discreet but effective identifier signals to healthcare providers that the patient has recently given birth—helping reduce the risk of misdiagnosis in emergency or outpatient settings.

In addition, family, friends, and community members are encouraged to check in on postpartum individuals wearing these wristbands. A simple conversation—asking how they feel and encouraging them to seek care if needed—can make a life-saving difference.

Haywood Regional Medical Center invites the community to help raise awareness about postpartum health and support individuals during this vulnerable period. For more information about the Special Delivery Program, including warning signs to watch for, visit MyHaywoodRegional.com.

The Special Delivery Program is not intended to replace regular postpartum provider visits but to serve as an additional tool supporting patients in their recovery. Attending scheduled postpartum appointments remains essential for monitoring health and addressing any concerns directly with a healthcare provider.