Grant Empowers Duke to Launch Statewide Maternal and Child Health Initiative

A woman lying on a bed talking to a doctor

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Duke University has received a $30 million, 10-year grant from the Pritzker Children’s Initiative to improve maternal and early childhood health across North Carolina. The effort will bring together experts in clinical care, economics, policy, and public health — alongside families and communities — to create more connected, effective systems of care for pregnant women and young children.

North Carolina ranks 36th in the nation in child health outcomes. The state receives a D+ grade for preterm births and a C- for maternal mental health, with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. While many of the medical, social, and economic resources needed by mothers and young children exist, they are difficult to access. 

This initiative aims to strengthen how families connect to care and support and change the trajectories for children and families.

“The evidence is clear that the greatest window of opportunity to improve maternal health, and shape a child’s lifelong health and development, is from pregnancy to age three,” said Duke President Vincent E. Price. “We are honored that the Pritzker Children’s Initiative recognizes Duke as an effective partner in supporting the health of families and communities across North Carolina.”

Over the next decade, Duke’s initiative aims to: 

  • Focus on families, build relationships, and strengthen communities
  • Integrate data across health, social services, and community programs
  • Ensure that all families have access to health care, social supports, and economic resources
  • Improve maternal mental health and well-being
  • Bring down preterm birth rates
  • Ensure that children are healthy and ready to learn by kindergarten
  • Generate clear evidence for statewide policy change that prioritizes whole-family health

The initiative will pilot models in at least two regions of the state, leveraging the infrastructure and partnerships built through state and community investments in the N.C. Integrated Care for Kids  model and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy Opportunities Pilots.

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