(Sioux Falls, SD) — The Avera Research Institute is getting a major boost towards maternal and infant healthcare. Avera has received a five-year federal grant worth five-point-four million dollars. It’s through the Healthy Start initiative with the goal of better serving families through services offered during pregnancy and after childbirth. Avera says it will use the funds to create a program called Bridging Inequities Regionally Through Healthy Start, or Avera BIRTHS. This will provide extra support for community education, social support and maternity care. More than 50 South Dakota counties will be targeted for care, especially rural and underserved areas. Avera BIRTHS also has plans to partner with Feeding South Dakota, The Teddy Bear Den, and Avera Community Health Resource Center in Sioux Falls.
