United Way of Greater Milwaukee has awarded a total of $70,000 in funds to two local agencies as part of its  Healthy Birth Outcomes Initiative to reduce infant mortality. The money comes from a grant through the Helen Bader Foundation.

“Dollars invested in our Healthy Birth Outcomes Initiative allows United Way to support programs that provide intensive, high-quality intervention to pregnant women and new parents, as we work to reduce infant mortality in our community,” said Nicole Angresano, Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of Greater Milwaukee. “We are grateful to the Helen Bader Foundation for supporting this critical work for a second year.”

Meta House will receive $55,000 for their Smoke-Free Moms, Healthy Babies initiative. The program offers women in residential treatment a comprehensive smoking cession program that includes a wide variety of support. These funds represent the second cycle of funding for the program. Outcomes from the pilot showed 100 percent of participants surveyed (13) carried their babies to term and 77 percent delivered at a healthy birth rate.

Milwaukee Center for Independence will receive $15,000 for their SmartBaby Program. The program works to increase healthy birth outcomes through a focus on health care access and to provide education to expectant and new mothers.