Olivia and Tom Walton, heirs to the Walmart fortune, have pledged $100 million over five years to Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America (HMHBA) to reduce maternal mortality in the U.S. by half. The announcement was made on Thursday, with the funds aimed at accelerating efforts nationwide to address one of the highest maternal death rates among wealthy countries.
The $100 million commitment will support state-matching grants, partnerships, and infrastructure development. Olivia Walton founded HMHBA in May under the Walton family’s Heartland Forward initiative, which focuses on regional issues. She emphasized that the investment is intended as a catalyst to attract additional public and private funding to expand maternal health care access and support.
The U.S. maternal mortality rate has worsened compared to previous decades, with Walton noting it was more dangerous to give birth today than it was for her mother in the 1980s. Nearly 90% of maternal deaths are preventable through earlier care, extended postpartum support, and family-centered services. States have already demonstrated effective strategies, and the funding aims to scale these proven solutions.
Olivia Walton highlighted the urgency and feasibility of the mission, stating, “We know what works, and states across the country are already proving it.” The initiative will focus on improving care access and outcomes over the next five years, leveraging the initial $100 million to mobilize broader investment in maternal health.
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