Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) has been awarded up to $5.5 million over the next five years through a Healthy Start grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The purpose of the grant is to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy for at-risk populations; and to reduce racial and ethnic infant death disparities and negative health outcomes in the first 18 months of life.

To qualify for funding, communities had to have infant mortality rates at least 1.5 times the U.S. national average. Within the CDPH district, at-risk populations were identified in the South Cobb County area as well as in the City of Douglasville. The grant will support a wide range of services for women, children, and families, including: healthcare coordination; case management; linkage to social services; screening and counseling for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; breastfeeding support; inter-conception education; child development education; and parenting support.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, has been committed to the mission of “Healthier Lives. Healthier Community.” since 1920. CDPH is dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life by tracking and preventing the spread of disease, promoting health and safety, providing exceptional medical services, and ensuring that our community is prepared for public health emergencies.

For more information about services at Cobb & Douglas Public Health, please visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org or call 770-514-2300.