Arizona To Receive $10.5 Million Maternal Health Grant

ARIZONA – Governor Doug Ducey’s office announced Monday that the Arizona Department of Health Services was awarded a $10.5 million grant for maternal health innovation. Arizona is among nine states slated to receive such a maternal health grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Arizona’s funding will be disbursed in five yearly payments of $2.1 million each.

“Losing even one mom to pregnancy-related complications is one too many,” Governor Doug Ducey said in a statement. “With the addition of over $10 million in available funds over the next five years, Arizona will be able to further its commitment to improving the health of Arizona’s moms and babies throughout the state.”

The grant aims to support the Maternal Mortality Breakthrough Action Plan, which will improve pregnancy and postpartum care by increasing access to care in areas with no or limited access. It will also enhance maternal morbidity data collection, analysis and interpretation for reports to the state legislature, promote pregnancy and postpartum warning sign awareness, and help support working moms.

“Our comprehensive statewide plan to address the unique challenges in Arizona and improve maternal health outcomes served as the foundation for making Arizona competitive for this grant award,” ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ wrote. “The additional funding will help us complete our planned action items and help the women of Arizona achieve healthy pregnancies, deliveries and postpartum health.”