The Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Indianapolis-based health benefits company Anthem, Inc., has announced grants totaling $14.5 million to 16 organizations working to address maternal health.

Grants were awarded in support of efforts to reduce the preterm birth rate, maternal morbidity and mortality, and the primary cesarean rate. Funded initiatives are focused on access to care, including non-traditional interventions such as doulas or midwives; high-touch programs, such as in-home care, virtual care, and concierge care; health-related social needs, such as addressing implicit bias, removing health-related social barriers, or using digital programming components; and mental health services and interventions. The largest grant was awarded to Creating Healthier Communities, which will receive $7.1 million to combat disparities in preterm birth rates among Black women. Additional recipients include Black Wellness & Prosperity Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Life of Hope, CelebrateOne, Capital Centers of Virginia, Birth in Color RVA Foundation, and Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service.

“Anthem Foundation’s focused approach allows us to make a greater and lasting impact in these areas,” said Anthem chief health officer Shantanu Agrawal. “Not only will these grants help ensure women and their babies can achieve optimal health and well-being, but they will put us at the forefront of improving maternal and infant health, especially in communities of color, where health disparities have a dramatic impact on outcomes.”

(Photo credit: Urban Baby Beginnings, used with permission)