Summary
Indianapolis plans to give some pregnant women up to $20,000 to help reduce high infant mortality rates. The BIRTH Fund targets low-income mothers in Indianapolis areas where infant deaths are most frequent. The funds will be given over three years and recipients can use the money as they need.
Key Facts
- Pregnant women in certain Indianapolis areas could receive up to $20,000 in cash over three years.
- The initiative, named the BIRTH Fund, aims to lower high infant mortality rates in seven specific ZIP codes.
- Those eligible must be at least 18 years old, up to 27 weeks pregnant, and have a family income of $39,000 or less.
- The total program funding is $2.3 million and is entirely from private donors.
- The Bridge Project, a nonprofit organization, will help manage the program.
- Cash payments are given during pregnancy and for 36 months postpartum, starting with $1,125 and then monthly payments.
- Funds are unrestricted, allowing recipients to use them for needs such as housing, medical care, food, or child care.
- The program will monitor outcomes to study the effectiveness of direct cash support for families.
