WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced that more than $1 million in federal funding has been awarded for maternal and child health services in the state.

The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will support the Maternal and Child Health Services programs of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, according to a press release from the senators.

Both Manchin and Capito serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Capito expressed her happiness that the funding was awarded to support mothers and children.

“This funding will be essential in helping our state agencies to provide aid to the women, children, and families in West Virginia that need it most,” Capito said.

“These services are crucial to new mothers and infants of our state, and I am committed to making sure these resources are continually available. I’m glad HHS recognized the need for such aid in West Virginia, and I’m optimistic this grant will help save and improve lives,” she said.

Manchin similarly spoke to the importance the funding has to ensuring access to quality health care services.

“I am pleased that HHS is partnering with the West Virginia DHHR to provide quality healthcare to mothers and children across our state. Far too many mothers in West Virginia do not have access to affordable and quality healthcare. No family should ever have to choose between their health and their financial security,” Manchin said.

“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will fight every day so that we can keep West Virginia’s families strong, safe, and healthy,” Manchin said.