HHS Invests $558M in Maternal Health Programs

The U.S. ​Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is ⁢allocating more than $558 million to bolster maternal health initiatives. ⁢The funding aims to address the nation’s⁣ high​ maternal mortality rate, according to the White House blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis.

The Health Resources and Services Management (HRSA), an ‍HHS agency,‌ will distribute over $440⁢ million⁤ to expand voluntary home visiting‌ services. These⁢ evidence-based programs target eligible families ⁣across the country, providing support during pregnancy ⁣and early childhood.

the Centers for Disease ⁣Control and ⁤Prevention (CDC) is investing $118.5 million over five years to support 46 states, six‍ territories, and‍ freely associated‌ states. This funding will strengthen public health infrastructure​ to identify and prevent pregnancy-related deaths.

Bipartisan legislation signed by President Biden in 2022 doubled funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home‌ Visiting program over five years. This expansion allows local organizations to offer home visits from ​nurses, social workers, ⁢and‌ other trained health workers. These professionals provide support for prenatal care, postpartum care, breastfeeding, safe​ sleep practices, early language growth,‌ and school readiness. They also connect families with community resources like childcare and job opportunities.

Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized her commitment to‌ addressing the maternal health crisis, ‍noting that women in ⁢the‍ U.S. die‌ before, during, ⁣and after ‌childbirth at higher rates than in other developed nations. She cited the ​expansion of​ Medicaid postpartum coverage ⁣and the White House Blueprint as key steps. “Today, we are building on this lifesaving work by ⁣awarding more ⁢than⁣ $558 ⁢million ​to improve maternal health across America,” Harris said.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted ‌the challenges faced ‍by new parents, such as housing and income ​insecurity. ‌He emphasized the proven effectiveness of home visits in ‌improving‌ school readiness and women’s health. “We will continue to make resources and⁢ support available, and elevate maternal health issues ⁣so ‌that more women and families know that help is available,” Becerra said.

HRSA administrator Carole ⁢Johnson announced‍ the awards at⁤ the Enhancing ​Maternal Health Initiative convening at Wayne State University in Detroit.The initiative ‌brings together mothers, babies, community leaders, health officials, and providers to advance the ​goals of the​ White House Blueprint.

The home visiting program funds states, jurisdictions, and tribal entities to develop ⁣and implement evidence-based programs ​tailored to their⁢ communities. Participation is voluntary, ⁣and families can receive support from pregnancy through kindergarten. The program has ⁤demonstrated benefits such as ‍improved school readiness, women’s health, increased health insurance coverage, and prevention ‌of‌ child injuries, abuse, and neglect.

The CDC’s investment will expand support to Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) from 46 to‌ 52 states and U.S. ⁢territories and freely​ associated states. These ⁢committees review deaths ⁢occurring within one year of ‍pregnancy’s end to determine preventability⁣ and recommend prevention strategies. The funding also advances the enhancing Reviews and ‍Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM) program and the White House Blueprint.

Wanda ⁣Barfield, MD, MPH, director of CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health, emphasized the ‌importance ⁢of MMRCs ‌in understanding and preventing pregnancy-related deaths. “This⁤ investment will support more jurisdictions in their critical work to save mothers’ lives,” Barfield said.

What’s⁣ next

These investments are part of ongoing efforts to implement the White House Blueprint to Address the ⁢Maternal Health Crisis. The​ administration aims ​to continue⁢ expanding access to care and support for mothers and ‌families across the nation.