HHS invests $65 million to address maternal health crisis

The Department of Health and Human Services last week awarded more than $65 million to 35 Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers to address the maternal mortality crisis. The health centers will use the funds to implement innovative approaches to ensure better pregnancy and postpartum outcomes. The funds also will be used to address health disparities among women of color and women in medically underserved areas. Examples include offering bilingual doula services, using health technology to reach rural patients and providing culturally aware mental and behavioral health care for pregnant women and their families. (HHS news release, 5/19/23)