State Maternal Health Innovation Program

The State Maternal Health Innovation (State MHI) Program (HRSA-23-108) is a cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), specifically the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). The purpose of this program is to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) across the United States by supporting state-led demonstrations aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and addressing disparities. The program encourages collaboration across public health sectors, healthcare providers, payers, and consumers through the formation of state-level Maternal Health Task Forces (MHTFs) that analyze data and implement evidence-based interventions. Funding under HRSA-23-108 totals approximately $23,000,000 for FY 2023, with up to 23 cooperative agreements to be awarded. Individual award amounts are scaled based on the state’s annual birth rate: up to $1,000,000 for fewer than 50,000 births, up to $1,500,000 for 50,000–200,000 births, and up to $2,000,000 for over 200,000 births. Funding covers a five-year period from September 30, 2023, through September 29, 2028. Cost sharing or matching is not required. Allowable uses of funds include establishing MHTFs, improving maternal health data systems, and implementing innovative, culturally appropriate maternal health service delivery models. Eligible applicants include any domestic public or private entity, including Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Eligible entities span state and local governments, higher education institutions, non-profits, independent school districts, and community-based organizations, including faith-based entities. Each state may submit only one application, and multiple applications from the same organization are not permitted. Applicants must submit proposals that demonstrate collaboration with their respective state public health agencies. Required application components include a project abstract, project narrative, budget and narrative, staffing plan, organizational chart, and letters of agreement. The application must also include a work plan, SMARTIE objectives, and strategies for data evaluation, community engagement, and sustainability. Applications are limited to 55 pages, excluding specified attachments. Evaluation criteria include six weighted factors: need (15 points), response and methodology (32 points), evaluative measures (10 points), impact (10 points), organizational capabilities (23 points), and budget (10 points). Successful applicants will demonstrate strong alignment with Title V MCH priorities, capacity to enhance maternal health infrastructure, and ability to collaborate with key stakeholders such as AIM, MHLIC, MMRCs, and ERASE MM programs. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was issued on April 13, 2023, and the application deadline was June 2, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Technical assistance was provided via a webinar held on April 20, 2023. For program-related inquiries, contact Sarah Meyerholz, MPH, at (301) 443-1702 or via email at wellwomancare@hrsa.gov.

Attend TA webinar; align with Title V; use SMARTIE objectives; ensure partnership documentation.