Bill > S992

This bill, known as the "NEWBORN Act," aims to address infant mortality by establishing pilot programs in U.S. counties with the highest infant mortality rates. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants up to $10 million annually from 2025 to 2029 to eligible entities like county, city, territorial, or Tribal health departments. These pilot programs will focus on addressing key issues contributing to infant mortality, such as birth defects, preterm birth, sudden infant death, maternal complications, and infant injuries. The programs will develop comprehensive community-specific plans that include outreach to at-risk mothers, providing services like counseling on infant care, postpartum care, prevention of premature delivery, smoking cessation, drug and alcohol treatment, nutrition programs, and mental health support. Grantees must submit annual reports detailing their program's methodology, outcomes, and statistics, which the Secretary will use to evaluate the effectiveness of these infant mortality reduction efforts. The bill prioritizes grants for areas with the highest infant mortality rates and ensures that no more than 10% of grant funds can be used for program evaluation, emphasizing direct intervention and support for mothers and infants.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/992/all-info