NEWBORN Act

This bill, known as the NEWBORN Act, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for the creation and implementation of infant mortality pilot programs. These grants, available for up to five years, will be provided to eligible entities, including county, city, territorial, or Tribal health departments, in standard metropolitan statistical areas with high infant mortality rates. Preference will be given to entities serving the 50 counties with the highest infant mortality rates or whose proposed program would address: birth defects ; preterm birth and low birth weight ; sudden infant death ; maternal pregnancy complications ; or injuries to infants . Funds from these pilot programs may be used for developing community-specific plans, conducting outreach to at-risk mothers, and establishing standardized systems to improve access to social, educational, and clinical services. These services include counseling on infant care, postpartum care, and prevention of premature delivery, alongside additional support for at-risk mothers like smoking cessation or nutrition programs. Programs can also establish rural outreach, public education campaigns, and coordinate efforts among local health departments and existing organizations. Grantees must submit annual reports for evaluation, and $10,000,000 is authorized annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to fund these initiatives.