Funding awarded to improve health of mothers and children

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded more than $1 million for the West Virginia University (WVU) Research Corporation through HRSA’s Healthy Start Initiative.  

The funding aims to improve the health of mothers and children before, during, and after pregnancy through education, resources, and support, the release said.  

“Alarmingly, maternal mortality rates are on the rise in the United States, and statistics are even more troubling in rural states like West Virginia,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “In addressing this serious issue, grants like these help develop strategies and services that can improve health outcomes for mothers and their children both during pregnancy and after."

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., added, "This funding will help improve the health of mothers and children in rural areas and ensure that they have access to health care through the Healthy Start Initiative. Many West Virginians benefit through this funding that helps reduce infant and maternal deaths through education and guidance for women in communities across our state."