Trios Health is proud to join a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the birthing experience across Washington state. As one of 10 hospitals participating in the fifth and final cohort of TeamBirth, Trios Health will begin implementing the program the week of Oct. 27^th – 31st.

TeamBirth is a nationally recognized care model developed by Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The program is designed to improve communication and collaboration between patients and care teams during labor and delivery, ensuring every voice is heard and every decision is shared.

At the heart of TeamBirth are structured “huddles,” which are brief, purposeful meetings that occur at key moments during a patient’s hospital stay. These huddles take place upon admission, during any significant changes in the patient’s or baby’s condition, when delivery decisions are made and at any request from a patient or team member. The goal is to keep everyone aligned and informed, especially the person giving birth.

These huddles include hospital staff, the patient and their chosen support team, such as a partner, doula or family member. Together, they review the birth plan, discuss preferences and make decisions collaboratively. This approach empowers patients to be active participants in their care and helps ensure their values and goals guide the birthing process.

“At Trios Health, we believe that every person giving birth deserves to feel heard, supported, and in control.”, said Market President & CEO, Trios Health, David Elgarico. “Partnering with TeamBirth is an important step forward in ensuring that our patients and their families are fully informed and engaged throughout their birth experience. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to safe, respectful, and collaborative care, where decisions are shared, voices are valued, and outcomes are improved.”

The statewide rollout of TeamBirth is a joint effort between the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) and Ariadne Labs, with generous support from Ballmer Group. Hospitals are joining in five waves, with the goal of full adoption across all birthing hospitals in Washington by the end of 2025.

Hospitals participating in the fifth cohort include:

• Trios Health Birth Center
• Harbor Regional Health
• Mid-Valley Hospital
• MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
• Olympic Medical Center
• Pullman Regional Hospital
• VMFH St Joseph Medical Center
• Samaritan Healthcare
• And Oregon sites: Hillsboro Medical Center and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

  
  “We’re thrilled that Washington is leading the way in adopting TeamBirth,” said WSHA CEO Cassie Sauer. “Giving birth is one of life’s most profound experiences. This program strengthens communication, builds trust and ensures that patients are truly at the center of their care.”
  

  About Trios Health: Trios Health is a UW Medicine Community Health Partner, operates a 111-bed hospital on its Southridge campus in Kennewick. Trios Medical Group serves a growing medical staff network of providers throughout the Tri-Cities and includes practices and services at 10 Care Centers and one Urgent Care Center. Our health system, established in 1952, is a sister facility to Lourdes Health in Pasco. For more information, visit us at www.TriosHealth.org or follow us on Facebook.

  About the Washington State Hospital Association 

  The Washington State Hospital Association advocates for and provides value to members in achieving their missions and improving the health of their communities. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including those that are non-profit, investor-owned, and county, state and military hospitals. The Quadruple Aim guides our members and our work as we strive to reduce the cost of health care and improve the patient experience, the clinician experience and the health of our communities. Visit www.wsha.org for more information. 
  

  About Ballmer Group  

  Ballmer Group is committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States, funding leaders and organizations that have demonstrated the ability to reshape opportunity and reduce systemic inequities. We focus on multiple impact areas and systems that can impact economic mobility - such as early learning, K-12 education, college and career pathways, housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice - and we support leaders and organizations that focus on undoing systemic racism and the barriers it has created. Ballmer Group is both a national and regional funder – we have a presence and invest deeply in southeast Michigan, Washington state, and Los Angeles County. Ballmer Group was co-founded by philanthropist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers. Learn more at www.ballmergroup.org. 

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