Alabama gets federal funding for new moms, families in underserved areas [Video]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The Health Resources and Services Administration, under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, announced $440 million in funding to “expand maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting services for eligible families.”

“There’s always more need than there are resources,” said HRSA administrator Carole Johnson. “That’s why we know that there’s demand for these dollars. We know communities are going to use them well to help support mom’s and babies in ways that are far too challenging right now.”

Alabama received $8 million in federal funding, which will be funneled through the state’s Department of Early Childhood Education.

Nonprofit agencies like the Gift of Life in Montgomery run several programs to help underserved families. Executive Director Regina Traylor said research has proven that home visit services have improved the health of mothers and babies through resources and programs designed to meet the unique needs of families.

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