The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded over $558 million to improve maternal health
The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded over $558 million to improve maternal health across the United States, with a focus on reducing the country’s high maternal mortality rate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this substantial investment, aimed at enhancing maternal and child health through a variety of initiatives. Specifically, over $440 million will be directed toward supporting pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children through voluntary home visiting programs that have been proven to improve maternal health outcomes, child development, and school readiness.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s focus on maternal health is part of its larger commitment to addressing the country’s maternal health crisis, which disproportionately affects women of color and those living in underserved communities. As part of this effort, President Biden and Vice President Harris have implemented the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, which includes a wide range of strategies aimed at improving care for women before, during, and after childbirth.
Home Visiting Programs: A Key Element of Maternal Support
A significant portion of the funding, more than $440 million, will be allocated to voluntary home visiting programs. These programs provide expectant and new mothers with visits from trained health professionals, including nurses and social workers, to offer essential support. This support covers areas such as prenatal care, breastfeeding guidance, developmental screenings for children, and connecting families with crucial services like affordable childcare and educational opportunities. The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized expanding these programs as a means to foster healthier pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality, and ensure children are prepared for school and beyond.
Bipartisan Support for Maternal Health
In 2022, bipartisan legislation was signed to double the funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program over the next five years. This marked the first expansion of the program in nearly a decade. Every U.S. state and territory has seen an increase in funding for home visiting programs under the Biden-Harris Administration, underscoring the federal government’s dedication to improving maternal and child health.
Maternal Mortality Research and Prevention Efforts
In addition to the funding for home visiting programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a new investment of $118.5 million to enhance maternal mortality research and prevention efforts. The funds will be distributed to 46 states, six territories, and freely associated states over the next five years to support public health initiatives aimed at reducing pregnancy-related deaths. This new investment will expand support to Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs), which are tasked with reviewing pregnancy-related deaths and providing recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
Building a Healthier Future for Mothers and Children
The Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address maternal health disparities and improve outcomes for women and children reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling the nation’s maternal health crisis. As Vice President Harris noted, “We are building on lifesaving work by awarding more than $558 million to improve maternal health across America.” The administration’s ongoing commitment to this cause is evident in its continued efforts to provide the necessary resources and support to mothers, infants, and families through a combination of voluntary home visiting programs and research into maternal mortality prevention.
Conclusion
With more than $558 million in funding, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant strides toward improving maternal health outcomes in the United States. By expanding voluntary home visiting programs and investing in maternal mortality research, the administration aims to address the root causes of the country’s maternal health crisis and ensure that women and children receive the care they need to thrive.
