Healthy Start Initiative

Objective

The purpose of the Healthy Start (HS) program is to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy, and reduce differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes. The HS program provides grants to high-risk communities with infant mortality rates at least 1.5 times the U.S. national average and high rates of other adverse perinatal outcomes (e.g., low birthweight, preterm birth, maternal morbidity and mortality). The legislation requires HS to work to reduce the disparities in health status between the general population and individuals in various sub-groups (e.g., geographic, racial, etc.).

Who Can Apply

• U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
• Local
• Nonprofit Organization
• Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government
• Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)
• Other

State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals), Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Federally Recognized lndian Tribal Governments, U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Quasi-public nonprofit institution/organization, Native American Organizations (includes lndian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations)

Who Benefits

• Unrestricted by Individual Type
• Infant and Toddler (0-3)

Service area residents, particularly women and infants 0-18 months, in areas with significant perinatal health disparities.

Assistance Types

• Cooperative Agreement
• Grant

Program Contact

EHeppner@hrsa.gov
(301) 443-2170