The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Services programs will receive more than $1.16 million in funding to help increase healthy pregnancies, improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality.
“We know that lifelong health starts with a healthy pregnancy, so we must ensure that pregnant women and new mothers have the resources they need from the beginning,” Sen. Joe Manchin said.
He said the funding will increase prenatal visits for pregnant women and improve access to safe sleeping training for new mothers.
“It’s important that we equip mothers with these resources so they can raise healthy children and live up to their God-given potential,” Manchin added.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said these initiatives will better ensure the health and well-being of West Virginia’s mothers and children.
“(The funding) will also support outreach programs to reduce bullying and increase physical activity for kids, two very worthy goals. I am glad this important funding is heading to our state,” Capito said.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing the funding for the programs.