H.B. 995
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
May 2, 2024
SESSION 2023 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH50027-LGa-75A
Short Title: Funds for Maternal Health Programs. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Hawkins.
Referred to:
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT
3 MATERNAL HEALTH IN BLACK COMMUNITIES.
4 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
5 SECTION 1. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Office of State
6 Budget and Management the sum of one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000)
7 in nonrecurring funds for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to provide directed grants in equal amounts
8 to the following nonprofit organizations:
9 (1) Equity Before Birth to supplement the income of mothers in the absence of
10 paid parental leave and to cover the cost of essential services and support.
11 These funds will help decrease maternal and infant mortality by helping those
12 who are disproportionately impacted: Black mothers, birthing people, and
13 their infants.
14 (2) MAAME (Mobilizing African American Mothers through Empowerment),
15 Inc., to fill the gap of services that exists for marginalized communities who
16 are in between poverty and financial stability. These funds shall be used to
17 provide services to mothers who are not eligible to receive public services and
18 support and not able to afford these resources privately. MAAME will provide
19 education (as a means of empowerment), support, doula services, and
20 opportunities for economic advancement.
21 (3) Momma's Village-Fayetteville, Inc., to assist the organization with providing
22 access to African-centered birth and breastfeeding support, postpartum care,
23 and parenting education and mental health resources for Black families in
24 Fayetteville and the surrounding Sandhills region.
25 (4) Jace's Journey, Inc., to support the organization's programs that address racial
26 disparities in maternal health outcomes.
27 (5) Sistas 4 Sistas, Inc., to assist the organization in providing doula services for
28 birthing individuals and their families in the Buncombe County area.
29 SECTION 2. This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.
*DRH50027-LGa-75A*