Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Monday, May 5, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Kit Bond today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has approved more than $200,000 in federal funds for programs to promote children health in Missouri.

"Providing comprehensive care for both mother and child is essential," said Bond. "These dollars will mean that a number of Missouri mothers and children receive the care they need."

The HHS's Maternal and Child Health Bureau will send $237,400 to Missouri for the following programs:

* Burrell Incorporated in Springfield, MO will receive $200,000 for their health care programs for children and adolescents. Burrell Inc. works to treat mental illness at a young age before problems become more difficult, and costly, to handle.

* Missouri Department of Health in Jefferson City, MO will receive $37,400 for healthy child care programs. Funding will be used to ensure that out-of-home care for Missouri children is both safe, healthy and violence free.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) programs focus on the comprehensive physical, psychological and social needs of both mother and child. MCHB funding nationwide goes to programs to ensure children are both wanted and born with optimal health, receive quality care, and are nurtured as they mature into healthy, productive adults.

Kit Bond is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.