The Health Resources and Services Administration yesterday awarded $100 million in grants to improve infant mortality rates and maternal health outcomes in vulnerable communities. Through the Health Start Initiative, 100 organizations will receive up to $1.1 million each year over five years to support a wide range of services, including health care coordination; case management; linkage to social services; screening and counseling for alcohol, tobacco and drug use; breastfeeding support; education and parenting support. "Healthy Start programs provide information, resources, and support to pregnant and parenting women and their families to ensure a healthy pregnancy and to help nurture their newborns," said HRSA Administrator George Sigounas. "This support is critical to addressing the significant racial and ethnic disparities in the rates of preterm birth and infant death in the U.S."

Related News Articles

Headline
Beth Heinz, senior vice president, Women’s and Children’s Services at Yale New Haven Health, and Cheri Johnson, chief nursing officer, Woman’s Hospital in…
Blog
One of our best strategies to address the unique behavioral health challenges and demands of pregnant women and new mothers is recognizing that mental health…
Headline
Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., member of the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust…
Headline
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists April 17 released guidance recommending a new approach to prenatal care delivery. The guidance calls…
Headline
The National Institutes of Health April 7 released a study that found twins — smaller at birth on average than singletons — develop slower in early pregnancy…
Headline
A National Institutes of Health study published April 2 found that blood pressure patterns observed during the first half of pregnancy can determine a woman's…