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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (June 7, 2010) - CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), has announced the availability of $1 million in grant funding for programs aimed at improving maternal and child health in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Grant proposals must be submitted to CareFirst by June 30, 2010. Proposals will be reviewed by CareFirst in collaboration with an outside panel of experts. CareFirst anticipates that grant determinations will be made by August 2, 2010.

“CareFirst is deeply committed to helping the communities we serve eliminate the social and economic barriers that can hinder a mother’s access to care,” said Chet Burrell, CareFirst President and CEO. “This request for proposals is part of a regional effort, building on similar grant programs in Baltimore City and Northern Virginia.” 

The overall infant death rate in the United States is 6.22 per 1,000 live births, ranking 29th of 37 industrialized countries in the world. Maryland and D.C. rank even higher.  The infant death rate in Maryland is 7.9 per 1,000 live births, while the rate of infant death in the District of Columbia is 12.6. 

More than half of all infant deaths can be attributed to four causes:

• Birth defects
• Low birth weight and disorders related to premature gestation
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome

CareFirst is seeking projects that meet significant community needs and that offer the potential for sustained progress in reducing infant mortality and improving maternal health. Applicants must demonstrate that their organization has the resources to continue the program beyond the term of the grant and be committed to improving access to quality care and/or support services among a targeted population. Programs that serve pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy needs will be considered.

This grant funding is available for organizations in Washington, D.C., and in all 23 Maryland counties. Because CareFirst has already committed $4.6 million in funding to separate programs in Baltimore City (B’More for Healthy Babies) and throughout northern Virginia that focus on maternal and child health, organizations in these areas are not eligible for funding through this RFP. More information on how to apply for a grant is available online.

CareFirst is working in partnership with an advisory panel of local experts on maternal and infant health and public policy leaders. In addition to CareFirst representatives, members of the advisory panel that will review proposals for funding include:

• Bonnie Birkel, CRNP, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Center for Maternal and Child Health
• Ann Burke, M.D., Holy Cross Hospital
• Raymond Cox, M.D., St. Agnes Hospital
• Dona Dei, Maryland/National Capital March of Dimes
• Chinnadurai Devadason, M.D., Health Officer for Charles and Queen Anne’s Counties
• Sallie Eissler, RN, Family Health Connection-Potomac Hospital
• Mark R. Fracasso, M.D., Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care
• Artis Hampshire-Cowan, Howard University
• Donald Shell, M.D., Prince George’s County Health Officer
• Donna Strobino, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Robin Waddell, CRNP, Deputy Health Officer for Cecil County

In its 73rd year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to nearly 3.4 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, please visit our Web site.

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