SOUTH FLORIDA – [March 4, 2026] – To address Florida’s maternal health crisis, the Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell portfolio of companies, is investing $3.5 million to expand access to doula care, in-home visits, mental health services, and chronic condition support for mothers and families statewide.

Why it matters: High rates of preterm birth and infant mortality across Florida, particularly among women with chronic conditions and limited access to care, underscore the need for stronger, community-based maternal health support to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

The details: This latest round of grants supports organizations improving maternal health outcomes for women with chronic conditions, as well as those that provide perinatal and postpartum mental health services.

“These organizations are meeting mothers where they are — in clinics, in their homes, in early learning centers, and in places that are comfortable and convenient for them,” said Susan Towler, executive director of Florida Blue Foundation. “Every program we support helps close gaps in access, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and strengthen families across the state.”

2026 Maternal Health Grant Recipients

Improving Maternal Health Outcomes for Chronic Conditions:

• March of Dimes – South Florida Chapter (South Florida) — The Green Cars for Kids initiative provides free electric transportation to prenatal, postpartum, and specialty care appointments, helping mothers with chronic conditions maintain consistent care.
• Lakeland Regional Medical Center (Central/West Florida) — The Innovative Support for Maternal Health Outcomes program provides nurse navigation, doula support, education, and monitoring tools to help high-risk pregnant women manage chronic conditions and reduce complications.
• Pasco Kids First (West Florida) — The Thrive Well: Maternal Health & Wellness program expands home visiting services to include maternal health monitoring, chronic condition education, and referrals for at-risk mothers.
• Collier Health Services / Healthcare Network of SWFL (Southwest Florida) — The Transitions of Care for High-Risk Pregnancies program coordinates care across home, hospital, and postpartum settings using monitoring, follow-up support, and AI enabled nutrition tools.

Perinatal and Postpartum Maternal Mental Health Support:

• Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition (Treasure Coast) — The Postpartum & Bereavement Community Doula Program offers

   

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