PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has been allocated over $440 million in federal funding to boost its Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV).
Carole Johnson, HRSA’s administrator, announced that Arizona will receive $12 million from this funding.
“It’s a major investment for us in Arizona,” Johnson said. “This program is crucial. Research proves its effectiveness, and we’re thrilled to bring additional resources to your communities to support more families.”
The MIECHV program, which began a decade ago, focuses on high-risk areas, including rural and Indigenous communities, where there are high rates of premature births, infant mortality, poverty, and crime.
“It’s a real game-changer,” Johnson noted.
In Arizona, the Department of Health Services will collaborate with local organizations to deliver home visits by nurses, social workers, and other trained professionals to expectant mothers and young families.
Families interested in the program must volunteer. The initiative offers assistance with breastfeeding, safe sleeping practices for infants, and the overall health of both mother and baby, as well as early childhood development.
“We connect your children with developmental screenings. We identify issues early on and ensure they are exposed to complex language to support their language development. These efforts have proven effective in enhancing school readiness and success,” Johnson added.
Two years ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to increase the program’s funding, doubling it over five years.
