WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today Louisiana will receive $10,710,642 from the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Award Program. Louisiana has the second highest recorded rate in the nation of mothers dying due to complications related to pregnancy or child birth.
“As a doctor and senator, ensuring the well-being of Louisianans is my top priority,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The birth of a new child should be a celebration, not wrapped in tragedy. Our federal, state and local officials must work together to take on this issue and protect the lives of new mothers.”
Maternal mortality rates are higher amongst African American mothers. Last month, Cassidy secured a provision in the Lower Health Care Costs Act to support training of health care professionals to reduce and prevent potential discrimination in the provision of health care services related to prenatal care, labor care, birthing, and postpartum care. This package passed the Senate committee process and awaits a vote on the Senate floor.
Cassidy recently announced another half a million dollar HHS grant to support Louisiana’s effort to prevent maternal deaths.
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