South Dakota Department of Health Receives Maternal Health Innovation Grant to Improve Maternal Care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 21, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, DOHMedia@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Health Receives Maternal Health Innovation Grant to Improve Maternal Care
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) is committed to improving maternal health services statewide and ensuring that every mother and baby in South Dakota has the opportunity to thrive. Through innovative, patient-centered care and community-driven strategies, the DOH is dedicated to addressing the unique maternal health challenges across the state.
"At the South Dakota Department of Health, we believe that the first thousand days of every life is critical, from conception to the child’s 2nd birthday. Healthy beginnings start with every woman being supported during pregnancy and throughout that critical postpartum period. ," said Secretary Melissa Magstadt. "Our vision is to enhance maternal health services, strengthen statewide collaboration, and implement evidence-based strategies to ensure positive health outcomes for both mothers and babies."
This effort will be further supported by the recently awarded State Maternal Health Innovation Program funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Funding will be nearly $1 million annually for five years.
Several of the program's initiatives include:
- Supporting the Office of Public Health Nursing Services in delivering comprehensive care to pregnant and postpartum women through the pregnancy care program;
- Increasing capacity to analyze severe maternal morbidity and mortality data to inform programmatic decisions and share critical findings with partners across the state;
- Conducting an in-depth analysis of maternal health needs in South Dakota communities to guide future initiatives;
- Creating a statewide maternal health task force to streamline coordination between agencies, programs, and partners dedicated to women's health; and
- Empowering local communities to develop tailored interventions that address maternal health needs specific to their populations.
To learn more about how the South Dakota Department of Health is working to improve maternal health outcomes, visit the DOH website.
At the heart of the Department of Health’s mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans.
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