NEWBORN Act Proposes $50M Grant Program to Fight Infant Mortality in High-Risk Areas

A new piece of legislation, the Nationally Enhancing the Well-being of Babies through Outreach and Research Now (NEWBORN) Act, proposes establishing a federal grant program aimed squarely at reducing infant mortality. If enacted, it would authorize $10 million per year for five fiscal years (2025-2029) – totaling $50 million – for pilot programs run by local, state, territorial, or Tribal health departments. The core goal is to fund targeted efforts designed to help more babies reach their first birthday.

Where the Help is Headed

The bill directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to prioritize awarding these grants to health departments serving communities facing the toughest challenges. Specifically, preference goes to entities in the 50 U.S. counties with the highest infant mortality rates. Grants would also favor programs tackling the primary drivers of infant death, including birth defects, preterm birth or low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), complications during pregnancy for the mother, and accidental injuries to infants. This focus aims to channel resources directly to areas and issues where interventions could have the greatest impact.

What the Money Can Do

Grant recipients would have flexibility in designing their pilot programs. According to the bill text, funds can support developing community-specific strategies, conducting outreach to mothers considered at-risk, and improving access to a range of services. This includes clinical care, social support, and educational resources to promote healthy pregnancies and infancy. Examples listed in the bill cover counseling on infant care and preventing premature delivery, support for quitting smoking or addressing substance abuse, nutrition guidance, mental and dental health services, and parenting programs. Funds can also establish rural outreach initiatives, create public awareness campaigns about preterm birth prevention and infant mortality, and boost coordination between local health departments and existing community organizations already working on these issues.

Keeping Tabs and Potential Hurdles

To track progress, entities receiving grants must submit annual reports detailing their program activities, methods, and outcomes. These reports are intended to help the federal government evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches. However, the bill stipulates that no more than 10% of grant funds can be used for this program evaluation. While reporting is crucial, this cap raises a practical question: will 10% be sufficient funding to rigorously assess which pilot programs are truly making a difference and why? Effective implementation and robust evaluation will be key to ensuring these funds translate into meaningful reductions in infant mortality across the targeted communities.