W.Va.'s Healthy Start Initiative Receives $1 Million to Support Pregnant Women

$1 million has been awarded to West Virginia to help improve the health of pregnant women and their children.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy Start Initiative awarded the funds to the West Virginia University Research Corporation.

U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin made the announcement in a joint press release Monday.

The funding is expected to help improve the health of mothers and children before, during, and after pregnancy by providing education, resources, and support.

“Alarmingly, maternal mortality rates are on the rise in the United States, and statistics are even more troubling in rural states like West Virginia,” Capito said. “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. The Healthy Start Initiative has been successful in West Virginia, and I’m hopeful these funds will continue to support families and save lives.”

“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. I applaud the work of the Healthy Start Initiative and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will continue to support the funding of such wonderful projects,” Manchin said.

Since the Healthy Start Initiative began in 1991, it has grown from a demonstration project in 15 communities to 100 Healthy Start projects in 37 states and Washington, DC.