Every year in the United States, approximately 24,000 babies are stillborn. This means 1 in 160 pregnancies ends in stillbirth.

In an effort to reduce the number of stillbirths, University of Utah Health has announced the official designation of the nation’s first Stillbirth Center of Excellence. The announcement was made earlier this month during the Stillbirth Equity Symposium and IMPROVE Workshop, where experts and advocates talked about addressing disparities in stillbirth outcomes and advancing prevention efforts across the nation and beyond.

“This designation represents a critical turning point in the fight to prevent stillbirth and support affected families,” said Dr. Bob Silver, co-director of the center and chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the U of U, in a news release.

A Center of Excellence for public health brings together leading experts to drive transformative change in critical areas, according to a U of U press release. The goal of this center is to focus on advancing research, improve clinical care, support families and reshape public understanding of stillbirth.

Stillbirth is defined as a baby at least 20 weeks gestational age without a heartbeat prior to birth, something about 275 women in Utah experience each year. The cause of death is unknown in about half of all stillbirths.

Looking into the next decade, the Stillbirth Center of Excellence at U of U Health has set goals to lead the nation in stillbirth prevention and care. The goals include cutting the U.S. stillbirth rate in half; reducing racial disparities in U.S. stillbirth rates by 50% (stillbirth disproportionately impacts families of color); doubling the proportion of affected families receiving comprehensive bereavement support; ensuring at least 75% of U.S. stillbirths undergo comprehensive perinatal audits to determine the potential cause; positioning the U.S. as a global leader in stillbirth prevention, care and research; impacting both low- and high-income settings across the world; and bringing stillbirth out of the shadows by changing cultural norms and increasing public awareness.

The center will partner with allies in research, clinical care and parent advocacy.

“By fostering collaboration, research, and education, we are poised to make significant strides not just in the U.S. but globally,” Silver said in the release. “Our vision is to lead the world in stillbirth prevention, support, and research, driving positive change in all health care settings.”

The Stillbirth Center of Excellence will offer peer-to-peer networks to connect families who have experienced stillbirth. It also will incorporate mental health resources for both families and individuals to address the emotional and psychological impacts it leaves behind.

“Our commitment extends far beyond the immediate loss,” said Susannah (Zan) Leisher, co-director of the center and a stillbirth parent herself, in the news release. “The journey of healing continues long after stillbirth or pregnancy loss. That’s why the Center of Excellence, through our Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program offers ongoing peer-to-peer support and mental health resources.”

Leisher said families need support for the emotional toll that follows pregnancy loss.

“Sometimes for months or even years afterward,” she said. “By connecting them with others who have walked this path and providing long-term mental health care, we can help to ensure they are never alone in their healing process.”