Money will extend funding for Healthy Start programs in Burke and McDuffie Counties

Washington, DC - Committed to improving the quality of healthcare in Georgia's rural communities, 12^th District Congressman John Barrow (D-GA) announced today that Healthy Start programs in Burke and McDuffie Counties have been awarded a $900,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.

"When it comes to providing quality perinatal healthcare for expectant mothers, our rural communities face some tough barriers," Barrow said.  "Poverty, limited resources and a lack of local health care providers often make it more difficult for expectant mothers to get the care they need."

"Healthy Start links mothers with the critical information and resources that can help make sure children get started on the right foot," Barrow continued.  "This grant will continue the valuable work these programs are providing in Burke and McDuffie Counties. "

The Healthy Start Programs in Burke and McDuffie Counties are part of the Enterprise Community Healthy Start Initiative, which are administered by the Medical College of Georgia and the Augusta Regional Perinatal Center.  Their outreach and information programs work to reduce low birth weight, pre-term delivery, and infant mortality rates.  The projects funded by this grant will not only focus on infant health, but also emphasize the improvement of women's health before, during, and after pregnancy for two years post delivery.

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Contact: Harper Lawson, (202) 225-2823

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