Healthy Start Initiative
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
In FY 2023, the Healthy Start program served nearly 78,000 women and children, in addition to over 5,700 men (age 25+ years).
In FY 2023, the Healthy Start program served nearly 78,000 women and children, in addition to over 5,700 men (age 25+ years).
Program Objective
The purpose of the Healthy Start (HS) program is to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy, and reduce differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes. The HS program provides grants to high-risk communities with infant mortality rates at least 1.5 times the U.S. national average and high rates of other adverse perinatal outcomes (e.g., low birthweight, preterm birth, maternal morbidity and mortality). The legislation requires HS to work to reduce the disparities in health status between the general population and individuals in various sub-groups (e.g., geographic, racial, etc.).
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Local
- Nonprofit Organization
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- Other
State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals), Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Federally Recognized lndian Tribal Governments, U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Quasi-public nonprofit institution/organization, Native American Organizations (includes lndian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations)
Beneficiaries
- Unrestricted by Individual Type
- Infant and Toddler (0–3)
Service area residents, particularly women and infants 0-18 months, in areas with significant perinatal health disparities.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
All qualified applications will be forwarded to an objective review committee. Based on the recommendations of the objective review committee, the HRSA program official with delegated authority is responsible for final selection and funding decisions. Notification is made in writing by a Notice of Award.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Final decisions are made 4 to 6 months after receipt of applications
Program details & compliance
Description
The purpose of the Healthy Start (HS) program is to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy, and reduce differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes. The HS program provides grants to high-risk communities with infant mortality rates at least 1.5 times the U.S. national average and high rates of other adverse perinatal outcomes (e.g., low birthweight, preterm birth, maternal morbidity and mortality). The legislation requires HS to work to reduce the disparities in health status between the general population and individuals in various sub-groups (e.g., geographic, racial, etc.).
Mission Categories
Primary: Maternity, Infants, Children
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The Healthy Start (HS) program continues to reduce high infant mortality rates and disparities in adverse perinatal outcomes by: 1) implementing community-based, direct and enabling services for pregnant, preconception and interconception women, fathers/partners and children from birth through 18 months; and, 2) developing and implementing plans to improve social determinants of health impacting perinatal health outcomes by leveraging partnerships within their Community Consortia comprised of diverse, multi-sector partners (including individuals with lived experience). HS programs offer culturally competent services for enrolled HS participants that increase access to screening and referrals, case management and care coordination, health and parenting education and linkage to clinical care. Additionally, HS grantees work to improve infant and maternal health outcomes for the entire service area by partnering with other organizations, agencies and families to promote systems integration, coordination, and collaboration to advance community change and increase access to services and supports. HS grantees also coordinate and align with State Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant programs to promote cooperation, integration, and dissemination of information with statewide systems and with other community services funded under Title V.
Restrictions
Funds may not be used to supplant currently funded activities/services.
Required Documentation
Applicants should review the individual HRSA notice of funding opportunity issued under this Assistance Listing program for any required proof or certifications which must be submitted prior to or simultaneous with submission of an application package. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements