Photo provided by Beacon Health System.

News Release

SOUTH BEND — Beacon Health System has been awarded $5.4 million from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration for the Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health.

This grant, spread across five years, will be deployed in the community through the launch of a program that aims to improve birth outcomes, promote health equity, and eliminate health disparities.

The Michiana Family Journey program will be a coordinated cross-sector collaboration, bringing together more than 25 non-profit partners in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. These partners will play an integral role in the program’s success by referring clients, assisting with education and clinical care intervention, providing nonclinical support, and contributing their expertise and resources.

“We will have health care, community-based organizations, federally qualified health centers, and our health departments all working together to address the barriers to care and improve health outcomes,” said Kimberly Green Reeves, Executive Director, Beacon Community Impact. “This is an unprecedented initiative in our community, fostering innovation to significantly improve infant mortality rates and maternal health outcomes.”

Key community partners collaborating with Beacon include: Child and Parent Services Elkhart, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart County Health Department, Family & Children’s Center, HealthLinc, Heart City Health, Maple City Health Care, Mental Health Awareness Michiana, Nexus Center, St. Joseph Health System and University of Notre Dame’s Eck Institute for Global Health. Additional community partners are also involved, and more will be joining as the program develops.

Additional funding also will be allocated to other counties through future grants, participating community partners and Beacon’s efforts to expand this regional plan. Beacon will continue to highlight the Michiana Family Journey program’s progress and provide updates on the initiative.

“Beacon plays a pivotal role as the anchor organization, bringing vital resources to our community,” said Susan King, Beacon Health Foundation president. “Our strategic priority extends beyond providing clinical services within our walls. Beacon is committed to being an integral part of the community,