Cape Fear Valley Health receives $1.6 million grant to support maternal and infant health
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — Cape Fear Valley Health has received a $1.6 million grant from The Duke Endowment to support maternal and infant health initiatives across North Carolina and South Carolina.
The multiyear Maternal Infant Health Carolinas initiative will focus on improving maternal and infant health outcomes, strengthening care coordination and advancing health equity.
Cape Fear Valley Health will participate in H.E.A.R. (Healing, Equity, Advocacy and Respect) 4 Mamas and Babies, a text- and phone-based screening and referral program developed by the Medical University of South Carolina.
The program is designed to identify medical, behavioral health and social needs during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum year. Participants can be connected with services addressing issues including maternal depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, intimate partner violence and social needs.
The Duke Endowment selected Cape Fear Valley Health and four other health systems to form a regional network. Participants will receive training, technology support, evaluation resources and technical assistance through a center led by MUSC in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Cape Fear Valley Health will also work with local health care providers, public health agencies and community organizations to connect families with medical, behavioral health and social support services.
The health system plans to establish a community advisory board to provide feedback and help identify local resource gaps.
Cape Fear Valley Health said the grant will help address maternal health challenges in Cumberland County, including disparities and preterm birth rates.
The initiative is intended to develop long-term strategies for improving maternal and infant health outcomes and connecting families with support throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
