The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has been selected to join the Transforming Maternal Health Model. This initiative, backed by $17 million from federal funds over 10 years, aims to improve maternal health via comprehensive care. It will focus on integrating physical health, mental health, and social services to enhance care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum stages.
“We are honored to be chosen to participate in this new, innovative model, which will allow us to focus directly on improving maternal and child health outcomes in two underserved areas of the state,” said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “This support will go a long way to promoting equitable access to healthcare for families at a very critical time – during pregnancy, through childbirth and during the postpartum period.”
“The Illinois Department of Public Health is excited to support HFS as they participate in this new federal TMaH model,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Addressing maternal and child health disparities is a significant priority for IDPH as we advance our Healthy Illinois 2028: State Health Improvement Plan. This latest effort by HFS to improve maternal health is another example of Illinois finding innovative solutions to improving the physical, mental and social care of our residents.”
Most of the resources awarded to Illinois will be invested in provider infrastructure. This support will also enable states to develop a value-based alternative payment model for maternity care services, which will improve quality and health outcomes and promote the long-term sustainability of services.
