S. 4149: Social Determinants for Moms Act

The Social Determinants for Moms Act aims to address and reduce preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and health disparities faced by mothers in the United States by establishing a dedicated task force. This task force, led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will develop strategies in collaboration with various federal agencies and stakeholders to improve maternal health outcomes.

Task Force Formation

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to convene a task force that includes representatives from various government departments, such as Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Agriculture, among others. The task force will also include appointed members who represent affected patients, community organizations, healthcare providers, and other maternal health experts.

Focus Areas

The task force will focus on multiple aspects of maternal health, including:

• Identifying and overcoming barriers that prevent access to prenatal and postpartum care.
• Improving housing stability for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
• Ensuring access to nutritious food and basic necessities in underserved areas.
• Addressing environmental impacts on maternal health, such as pollution and extreme weather conditions.
• Providing child care support during medical appointments.
• Supporting the comprehensive needs of postpartum individuals and families.
• Engaging community partners to tackle social determinants affecting maternal health.
• Addressing domestic violence and its effects on maternal health outcomes.

Reporting and Accountability

Within two years of its initiation, the task force must submit a report detailing its strategies and actions to Congress, as well as making it publicly accessible. Reports will include recommendations for federal funding and actions for stakeholders to undertake in order to improve maternal health outcomes.

Grants and Funding

Additionally, the act authorizes the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities such as community organizations and public health departments to support initiatives that address social determinants of maternal health. Priority will be given to organizations operating in areas with high rates of maternal mortality and poverty.

The grant funds can be used for a variety of activities aimed at improving conditions affecting maternal health, including:

• Housing and transportation improvements
• Nutrition and food accessibility
• Employment and workplace conditions
• Environmental health initiatives
• Addressing intimate partner violence

The Secretary is also required to provide technical assistance to grant recipients to help sustain their programs long-term and will need to report annually on the progress and effectiveness of grant-funded activities.

Funding Authorization

The act authorizes a total of $100 million per fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 to finance these initiatives aimed at improving maternal health across the country.

Relevant Companies

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