UW, MCW roll out grants aimed at improving maternal, child health outcomes

The University of Wisconsin and Medical College of Wisconsin are rolling out grants for encouraging better maternal and child health outcomes after each being allocated $5.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

While the COVID-19 public health emergency expired last week, American Rescue Plan Act funding intends to handle the pandemic’s consequences. Last fall, Gov. Tony Evers dedicated $16 million in funding toward Wisconsin’s maternal and infant mortality issue specifically, particularly for Black families.

“Those health disparities that we know exist … were just exacerbated (during the pandemic),” said Renuka Mayadev, the maternal and child health program adviser at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. “We all shut down. We didn’t go to hotels. We didn’t go to restaurants. We didn’t go to places where we see a lot of our mothers and birthing people work.”

UW is accepting applications for its grants geared toward nonprofit health systems until May 30. Healthcare service delivery providers that partner with a community organization are eligible to apply.

“With this application, because it’s infrastructure-based, there are many things that can sustain and build a legacy for this work,” Mayadev said.

A spokesperson on behalf of MCW confirmed the school’s Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment team is reviewing applications now. MCW expects grant recipient projects to begin this summer.

“Our statewide reach and the strong relationships we’ve built with grassroots organizations and health-focused networks ensures that these funds will be distributed efficiently and effectively to bridge serious health gaps in our communities,” said Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, endowment director, in a February statement.

The Department of Health Services already launched its grant program, with some Advancing Equity in Maternal and Child Health Grant recipients receiving over $400,000 in ARPA funding. DHS is beginning to track results of the funded projects.

– Elizabeth Casolo for Wisconsin Health News