Newborn Essentials Support Kits: Aid for Mothers in High-Need Areas
This law establishes a pilot program to distribute free kits of essential supplies to mothers of newborns, focusing on areas with limited maternal care access and lower-income families. The goal is to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by providing necessary care items, such as diapers and blood pressure monitors, and information about available federal support. The program is authorized for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 with $5 million allocated annually.
Key points
Free kits include diapers, hygiene items, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, breastfeeding supplies, and educational materials on federal support programs and mental health hotlines.
Priority distribution goes to rural areas, regions with high maternal mortality rates, and families whose income is below 185% of the federal poverty line.
Kits will be distributed through public-private partnerships with community organizations and hospitals to ensure geographical diversity.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8715
Sponsor: Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5]
Process start date: 2024-06-12