The Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Health convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical funding and initiatives aimed at improving maternal and infant health in Michigan. The meeting highlighted the importance of community-based programs, particularly the CenteringPregnancy model, which has expanded from 13 to 34 sites due to state investments. This model fosters peer support among expectant mothers, enhancing attendance at prenatal appointments and improving health outcomes.

Key discussions centered on the sustainability of funding for maternal health initiatives. The CenteringPregnancy program, which is Medicaid eligible, has shown significant cost savings by reducing avoidable complications such as NICU admissions and preterm births. The committee emphasized the need for private insurers to support this model to further alleviate costs for taxpayers and improve health outcomes.

The meeting also addressed the Michigan Alliance for Innovation in Maternal Health (MI AIM), which aims to standardize care across birthing hospitals. Funding for this initiative has led to a nearly 30% reduction in severe maternal morbidity due to hemorrhage, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted financial support in addressing maternal health crises.

Additionally, the committee discussed the SOS maternity project, which seeks to standardize outpatient care for expectant mothers. There was a strong push for converting one-time funding into sustainable support to ensure ongoing engagement from healthcare providers.

A significant concern raised was the stagnation of funding for home visiting programs, which are crucial for supporting families in rural areas. The committee was urged to increase funding from $2.75 million to $5 million to keep pace with rising costs and maintain federal funding eligibility.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued advocacy at the federal level to secure necessary funding for maternal and infant health programs, as uncertainties in federal support could jeopardize the progress made in recent years. The committee remains committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that all mothers and infants in Michigan receive the care they need.