Avera’s BIRTHS grant strives to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes

Avera Research Institute was recently awarded a new five-year grant for $5.4 million from the Healthy Start initiative aimed at improving maternal and infant health. This funding will establish the Avera BIRTHS program, which stands for Bridging Inequities Regionally Through Healthy Start. The program’s goal is to provide comprehensive care and support services for South Dakota mothers, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.

Kimberlee McKay, MD, who serves as the BIRTHS co-project director and is an Avera obstetrician/gynecologist, recently appeared on “In the Moment” on SDPB Radio to discuss the impact of the grant and its community partners. Through this grant, Avera aims to address disparities in maternal and infant health in South Dakota by providing much-needed resources and support to mothers in need.

The Avera BIRTHS program will play a vital role in ensuring that all mothers in South Dakota have access to quality care and support services, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. Dr. McKay emphasized the importance of this initiative in improving health outcomes for both mothers and their infants, particularly in communities that have historically been underserved.

Overall, the grant funding from the Healthy Start initiative will enable Avera Research Institute to make a significant impact on maternal and infant health in South Dakota through the establishment of the BIRTHS program. With a focus on bridging inequities regionally, this program will work to ensure that all mothers receive the care and support they need to have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.