Policymakers in Maryland kicked off the month of November by lauding federal funding secured to improve access to maternal health care, particularly in historically marginalized communities throughout the state. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) via its Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Maternal Health Awards.
Health equity advocates are extolling the timeliness of this funding, as mortality rates of women and children in Maryland and, indeed, across the U.S. remain high, disproportionately among Black and Latina women. The funding is a result of longtime work among federal and state legislators to address the systemic elements causing higher rates of maternal mortality, as well as health, economic, social and other hardships experienced by women and children in underserved communities.
From a health care policy perspective, the focus of Maryland legislators on improving health equity is consistent with the moves seen over the last several months by policymakers across other states as well to reduce inequities and improve access to better health care in their localities, while simultaneously working to increase diversity in the medical and health care professions.
One of several paths they have been pursuing to secure resources for these efforts is through the yearly appropriations process. For example, Maryland secured $1.17 billion for their core Maternal and Child Health programs in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations package.
One of the principal federal agencies charged with enhancing access to medical and health services for individuals in historically marginalized and underrepresented communities is the HRSA. The agency is located in Maryland, and continues to be a major hub of support for improving health equity. These developments in Maryland serve as a model for other states throughout the U.S., and greater resources and support are anticipated through these channels for health equity programs in the months and years ahead.
