NH Delegation Announces More than $3.2 Million to Strengthen Home Visiting Services for Underserved Communities, Expand Access to Essential Health Care Services at NH Schools
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that New Hampshire will receive $3,225,084 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to strengthen home visiting services for families in underserved communities and expand access to essential health care services at Granite State schools.
Specifically, $3,025,084 was awarded to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to support organizations and initiatives throughout the state that provide services through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. This program aims to provide vulnerable expectant families and families with young children critical skills and resources that improve maternal and newborn health, support the social and educational development of young children and help families succeed. This follows the delegation’s announcement in May of $283,582 through the American Rescue Plan to support at-home services for families.
In addition, Amoskeag Health in Manchester will receive $200,000 through HHS’ School Based Service Sites (SBSS) program. SBSS funding helps community health care providers like Amoskeag Health strengthen the delivery of comprehensive health care services, such as primary care, mental health, vision and dental and substance use disorder treatment, at school-based service sites in the communities they serve, as well as add new service delivery sites.
“These are critical investments in the health and well-being of New Hampshire’s children and families that will go a long way to help those who are the most in need of assistance,” said Senator Shaheen. “These federal grants will help ensure Granite State families and children, particularly those from vulnerable and underserved communities, are able to access essential services like health care and parental education to stay healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ll continue to advocate for additional federal resources Granite Staters need to get to the other side of this crisis.”
“We must do all that we can to ensure that New Hampshire families have the support and resources that they need in their communities to help their young children grow and thrive,” Senator Hassan said. “This federal funding is an important part of our efforts to help families and children recover from this pandemic and stay healthy, and I will continue working to secure resources to support children’s health and wellbeing.”
“Ensuring all Granite State families have access to the skills and knowledge needed to keep children happy and healthy is critical to saving lives and promoting lifelong wellness throughout our state,” said Representative Kuster. “These federal dollars will help expand resources to some of our most vulnerable and underserved communities, and break down barriers to access. I’m proud to see these grants heading to New Hampshire, and will continue working to ensure no one is left behind as we recover and rebuild from this pandemic.”
“I’m pleased New Hampshire will receive these funds for home visiting and school-based health care services,” said Representative Pappas. “It’s critical we support comprehensive health programs such as these, and I remain committed to fighting for the resources our community providers need to protect the health of our children and families.”
###
