A $5.4 million grant has been awarded to Beacon Health System, a South Bend-based organization, by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. The grant will be spread over five years and will support the Michiana Family Journey program, which aims to enhance birth outcomes, promote health equity, and eliminate health disparities.
Through collaboration with 25 not-for-profit partners in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, including Child and Parent Services Elkhart, Mental Health Awareness Michiana, and the Notre Dame Eck Institute for Global Health, the program will involve clients being referred, receiving education and clinical care intervention, nonclinical support offered, as well as expertise and resources contributed.
Beacon Community Impact Executive Director Kimberly Green Reeves stated that the goal is to address barriers to care and improve health outcomes by bringing together healthcare providers, community-based organizations, federally qualified health centers, and health departments in a collaborative approach. This strategy aims to significantly reduce infant mortality rates and improve maternal health outcomes in the region.
As the program progresses additional funding may be allocated to other counties through future grants to further expand its reach. Furthermore, more community partners are expected to join the program as it develops indicating a growing network of organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes in the region.
