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Healthy Start: Centering Communities to Save Infants’ Lives 

Healthy Start is the only federal program focused explicitly on preventing infant mortality. Launched by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, it has worked in communities with infant mortality rates at least 1.5 times the national average, tailoring services to local needs—from mental health support after disasters to prenatal education and postpartum care. Today, 115 sites across the U.S. provide critical services that can include screenings, doula care, transportation, housing assistance, and more. 

According to a fact sheet from HRSA Maternal and Child Health, in 2022 alone, Healthy Start served more than 85,000 participants—75% of whom were women from at higher risk of maternal infant mortality. Compared to national averages, local projects significantly improved rates of prenatal care, screenings for depression and interpersonal violence, and well-woman visits. 

Despite its impact, Healthy Start faces repeated threats to funding due to misconceptions that its work overlaps with other federal programs like the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV). However, while MIECHV focuses on early childhood development and is implemented at the state level, the Division of Healthy Start and Perinatal Services funds local organizations to implement the Healthy Start Program, which addresses maternal and infant health before, during, and after pregnancy. It is uniquely flexible, grounded in community voice, and committed to addressing social drivers of health. 

The Healthy Start Program 

The Home Visiting Program  

  • Focuses on reducing infant deaths 
  • Provides flexibility to tailor services to meet specific family and community needs, such as
    • Providing both clinical and non-clinical health services 
    • Offering well-woman, maternity care, and doula services 
    • Helping with transportation and housing needs  
  • Focuses on early childhood development, especially:
    •  Preventing child abuse and neglect 
    • Promoting positive parenting 
    • Supporting school readiness
  • States choose evidence-based models that fit their community’s needs  

Information from Health Services and Resources Administration 

Without continued federal support, communities risk losing not just services, but the trust and relationships built over decades. The program also generates local jobs across health and social services sectors. 

What You Can Do to Ensure this Work Continues  
• Advocate for Healthy Start by contacting your mayor’s office and local, state, and federal representatives 
• Share stories of the program’s impact in your community with local leaders 
• Support your local Healthy Start site with time, talent, or resources 

What’s at stake are deep connections and trust that have been built at a community level… That’s not good for communities, for babies, and not good for parents and families.”

Dr. Scott Berns, President & CEO, NICHQ