Source: Patch
The Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida is receiving a $5M grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to help combat high infant death rates for babies born to black mothers.
In 2017, 11 out of every 1,000 babies born to black mothers died, according to the Florida Department of Health, which was double the number of newborns dying to white mothers.
Through the Health Start Initiative, the hospital will be able to provide more services for black mothers, fathers, children and infants who are at risk. It will also help to expand education on safe care practices for mothers and children.
“With this funding, we hope to increase access to well-woman services and early prenatal care. This is in addition to advocacy, education and linkage to services Healthy Start provides. Our Healthy Start program and Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Institute are partnering with agencies such as the Next STEPP pregnancy center, Well for Life, the Healthy Start Coalition and the Florida Department of Health-Pinellas, which will be instrumental in helping achieve these goals,” said Carrie Hepburn of the Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative.
The organization hopes to improve equity and close the gap in health services and overall wellness for black mothers.
Read Full Story: Patch