Breaking Down Silos to Address Maternal and Infant Mortality: Lessons from the Local Level

On July 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance in response to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) (CAA). This guidance addresses statutory requirements set forth in the CAA, impacting Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) services and eligibility for youth detained in public institutions including jails, prisons, and juvenile justice facilities. The required coverage changes will take effect on January 1, 2025, and states must submit Medicaid and CHIP state plan amendments by this date. 

Across the country, counties are facing a critical maternal health crisis. According to March of Dimes, 4.7 million birthing people live in counties with limited maternity care access. Further, Black and Indigenous birthing people are experiencing three- and five-times higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic white people, demonstrating the growing disparities in outcomes across populations. 

The NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing outlined its policy priorities to improve mental health in its final report unveiled Saturday, July 13 at the Annual Conference.

Counties are investing in education, harm reduction and peer support recovery to combat unintentional overdoses. 

Stearns County, Minn. let families tell the system the support they need and bring together all of the stakeholders to make that possible.

This webinar is hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Development Disability Directors (NACBHDD).