ECU Health receives nearly $1.5 million grant for maternal, infant health

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – ECU Health has received nearly $1.5 million from The Duke Endowment to help improve maternal and infant health across Eastern Carolina.

The $1,497,500 grant will support ECU Health’s participation in the Maternal Infant Health Carolinas initiative, which aims to improve care for mothers and babies across North Carolina and South Carolina.

ECU Health will serve as a pilot site for H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas and Babies, a text- and phone-based program that helps identify medical, behavioral health, and social needs during pregnancy and through the first year after birth.

Officials say the program has improved the detection and treatment of maternal depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and other health concerns.

ECU Health is one of five health systems selected for the initiative and will work with local providers and community partners to connect families with needed support services.

The program is being led in partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“We are thrilled to launch this initiative in partnership with MUSC, UNC-Chapel Hill, and five health systems,” said Jay Kennedy, senior program officer with The Duke Endowment’s Health Care program area. “Our aim is to work together to replicate and scale this program in hopes of improving health outcomes for more women and infants across the Carolinas.”