Sarbanes Announces Nearly $600,000 for Enhanced Prenatal Care at Hopkins

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded nearly $600,000 to Johns Hopkins for enhanced prenatal care through its Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns initiative.

“All women deserve high-quality health care as they prepare for motherhood,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “This funding will allow Hopkins to deliver quality care to more women in Baltimore and help give their children a healthy start in life.”

Children born pre-term require costly medical attention, often require early intervention services and special education, and can develop conditions that may affect their health and productivity as adults. HHS has awarded $590,904 to Johns Hopkins to test prenatal care initiatives aimed at reducing pre-term births among high-risk women in Baltimore who are enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns initiative is an effort by HHS to reduce pre-term births and improve outcomes for newborns and pregnant women. Grants made through the program will enhance care by expanding access, improving coordination, and providing psychosocial support to pregnant women.