$400G in ARPA funding to expand care for moms with mental health issues

CONCORD - Members of the Executive Council on Wedneday voted to approve $400,000 to be used for a new effort in New Hampshire to provide direct care support to perinatal mothers and parenting women experiencing mental health challenges.

Following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Hampshire faces a growing need to expand the professional and community capacity to serve mothers facing postpartum health challenges. Current capacity is limited and may require patients to wait several weeks before obtaining necessary services.

Perinatal care relates to the time around birth, including pregnancy and the first year after giving birth

"While New Hampshire is already recognized by the United Health Foundation as setting the gold standard for women and children's health, our work to build an even stronger system continues," said Governor Chris Sununu. "I thank all those working on this incredibly important initiative to provide mothers, families, and children with the supports needed to thrive."

The one-time financial support, which makes use of ARPA funds, will assist in establishing a maternal hub in southern New Hampshire to provide a hybrid model of emergency and preventative support services. The hub will collaborate with existing Family Resource Centers and healthcare providers.

"With so much change going on in a new mother's life, the postpartum period can be both beautiful and challenging. That's why it's critical to support New Hampshire mothers in any way we can," said New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver. "This investment is key to meeting the goals of the DHHS Roadmap 2024-25, which aims to continue improving maternal health outcomes by increasing access to effective, high quality care."

Following acceptance of funds today, the Department of Health and Human Services will complete the contracting process with a vendor.

New Hampshire was recently ranked the #1 state in the country for women and children by the United Health Foundation.

Wednesday's announcement follows New Hampshire's continued work to ensure the health of women and children, including investments in primary and prenatal care, initiatives to reduce maternal mortality, behavioral health services for children and adults, and efforts to reduce barriers to enrollment in the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program.