The South Dakota Department of Health was 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.
“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.”
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.
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