$8M boost for MIECHV program to enhance maternal health services

M boost for MIECHV program to enhance maternal health services
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President Biden has signed bipartisan legislation doubling federal funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program over the next five years, marking the first significant expansion in a decade.

This move is a key component of the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, championed by Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced nearly $8 million in new funding to expand home visiting services in Oklahoma. This program provides eligible families with voluntary, evidence-based home visits from nurses, social workers and other trained professionals. These visits focus on prenatal care, postpartum support, breastfeeding, safe sleep practices, early language development, developmental screening and connecting families with essential community resources such as affordable child care and educational opportunities.

Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, “As someone who has spent my entire career fighting for the health and wellbeing of women and children, I am committed to addressing a maternal health crisis in which women across America are dying before, during and after childbirth at higher rates than in any other developed nation.”

She added, “Today, we are building on this lifesaving work by awarding more than $558 million to improve maternal health across America. This includes a critical $440 million to support pregnant women, new mothers, and their children through home visiting programs that will improve health outcomes, child development, and access to resources for years to come.”

The recent legislation, signed in 2022, represents a $1.1 million annual increase in funding for Oklahoma’s home visiting programs since the Biden-Harris Administration began. This year’s funding includes a $440 million investment nationwide to support pregnant women, new mothers and their children, enhancing health outcomes and access to vital resources.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted the program’s impact: “Bringing home a baby can be stressful. Many new parents face additional challenges such as housing, or income insecurity, which can make the whole situation even more daunting. But we know from decades of research that home visits work – from helping with school readiness and achievement for children to improving health for women.”

The HRSA’s Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative aligns with the White House Blueprint, connecting families with community leaders and health professionals to advance maternal and infant health goals. The program funds various entities, including states and tribal organizations, to implement evidence-based programs tailored to community needs. It has shown significant benefits, including improved school readiness, better health outcomes for women, increased health insurance coverage and reduced child injuries and abuse.

For more information on the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, visit MIECHV Program. For details about HRSA, visit HRSA.gov.

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