Bill > HR2040

This bill, known as the NEWBORN Act, aims to create and fund infant mortality pilot programs in areas with the highest infant mortality rates in the United States. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would award grants to eligible entities like county, city, territorial, or Tribal health departments to develop comprehensive programs addressing infant mortality. These pilot programs would focus on addressing key issues such as birth defects, preterm birth, sudden infant death, maternal complications, and infant injuries. Grant recipients would be required to develop community-specific plans that include outreach to at-risk mothers, comprehensive services like counseling, postpartum care, prevention of premature delivery, and support programs for mothers (including smoking cessation, drug treatment, and mental health services). The programs would also establish rural outreach initiatives and public education campaigns about infant mortality. Each grant would be for up to 5 years, with a maximum of 10% of funds used for program evaluation, and recipients must submit annual reports detailing their program's methodology and outcomes. The bill authorizes $10 million in funding annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support these infant mortality pilot programs, with a preference given to areas with the highest documented infant mortality rates.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2040/all-info