Amerigroup Foundation Awards Grant to Maryland DHMH Center for Maternal and Child Health

BALTIMORE, April 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Amerigroup Foundation presented an $8,000 contribution to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene-Center for Maternal and Child Health (DHMH) today at the Baltimore City Health Department. The grant will be used to help improve access to prenatal care in Baltimore City and Prince George's County by providing prenatal vitamins for those who register for prenatal care.

"Nutrition plays a critical role in pregnancy, and with Amerigroup's help, we will be able to provide prenatal vitamins to pregnant women, one step on the road to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, as a part of Baltimore's strategic plan for improving birth outcomes," DHMH Medical Director Dr. Lee Woods said.  "We are very pleased to receive this support from Amerigroup for our efforts to improve the health of mothers and babies in Baltimore."

The award is part of the Amerigroup Foundation's program that recognizes outstanding public advocacy efforts by government and community leaders to improve the health and well-being of children nationwide. This grant will reach almost 5,000 women and infants.

"Baltimore City and the 44th Legislative District, in particular, have the highest infant mortality rate in the state," Maryland Delegate Keith Haynes said. "It is incumbent upon all of us to do everything possible to decrease and ultimately eliminate infant mortality.

"As vice-chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, I see firsthand the need for the resources to address this issue, and I applaud Amerigroup's financial contribution and commitment in this effort," he added. "It will literally have a tremendous impact on not only saving lives but providing a future to our children."

This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy in both Baltimore City and Prince George's County to reduce infant mortality by 10 percent by 2012. Goal No. 14 of the Governor's Delivery Unit's 15 Strategic Policy Goals is to reduce the rate to 7.2 percent in the next two years, which would be the lowest rate in Maryland's history.

"We're pleased to support a project that is consistent with the Foundation's goals of promoting community improvement, as well as encouraging safe and healthy children and families," Chairman of the Amerigroup Foundation John E. Littel said earlier this year in announcing the grant. "The Maryland DHMH Center for Maternal and Child Health delivers terrific support for the community and, specifically, the well-being of children."

Delegate Haynes and Delegate Ruth Kirk of Baltimore City's 44th Legislative District, DHMH representatives, the Baltimore City Health Department and Amerigroup officials all were in attendance.

About the Amerigroup Foundation

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation, a multi-state managed health care company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Foundation works to create healthy communities by fostering access to health care, encouraging safe and healthy children and families, and promoting community improvement and healthy neighborhoods. For more information about the Amerigroup Foundation, visit www.amerigroupcorp.com/foundation. 

SOURCE The Amerigroup Foundation