The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded a $1,008,333 Healthy Start Initiative (CFDA 93.926) Project Grant to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The grant will fund the "Avera Births" program, which aims to deliver perinatal healthcare services to rural communities in South Dakota with high infant mortality rates, particularly among mothers with a high school education or less. The program will establish a care coordination team including community-based doulas, advanced practice providers, dietitians, social workers, and nurse educators to provide direct services and group-based health education and promotion. The grant period runs from May 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029, with the goal of addressing racial/ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes in the target service area.