The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced it has awarded $4.5 million to 12 groups across the state funded through Governor JB Pritzker’s 2024 Birth Equity Initiative. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, were awarded through a competitive process and are designed to support innovative, community-based efforts that have the potential to reduce inequities in populations historically at higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. IDPH operates two state Maternal Mortality Review Committees that issue reports designed to shed light on trends in maternal health and guide policy makers. The Birth Equity grants, aimed at eliminating racial disparities and avoiding preventable deaths, were awarded by IDPH’s Office of Women’s Health & Family Services. Following are program summaries and grant amounts for the 12 recipients, including
• Family Focus: The Chicago-based group will receive $700,000 to serve areas with significant maternal and infant health disparities. The program will address disparities by developing a “Dream Builders Hub,” a training program for community-based teams of maternal support services, such as home visitors and doulas. They will also implement educational sessions for fathers through the “Strong Fathers, Strong Families” Program.
• The Haymarket Center: The Chicago-based Federally Qualified Look Alike Health Center will receive $250,000 to mitigate health disparities among pregnant and postpartum Illinoisans struggling with mental health and substance use disorder, and their children, by increasing access to screening instruments, educational groups, care supplies, and clinical providers in a one-stop-shop fashion.
• SGA Youth & Family Services: The Chicago-based group will receive $450,000 to address maternal health inequities in South Side communities and suburban Cook County through a community-focused, equity-driven approach. The program is designed to achieve meaningful outcomes through culturally responsive community outreach, including education and care support, specifically addressing gaps highlighted in IDPH’s recent reports on maternal morbidity and mortality.
