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Family Futures, a program based in Western Michigan aimed at providing infants with a healthy start in life, was recently awarded over $4 million to expand its outreach to Latino families in the area. The program will receive funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to improve maternal health and child health among Latinos in Kent County, Michigan.
Family Futures was created to improve the health of mothers and children and help in eliminating racial and ethnic disparities. The group provides outreach, case management, education, mental health services and fatherhood programs.
“Strong Beginnings [and Family Futures] will help families navigate community services, addressing social determinants that might be barriers, and provide learning opportunities for families,” said Veronica Quintino, the program manager. “We will advocate for Latino families and try to eliminate the gaps these families face. Our goal is to promote health equity for Latina women and children.”
The program plans to identify factors that led to a recent rise in Latino infant mortality rates, which are twice as high as Caucasians. There was also an increase premature infant births. The funds will be used for services during pregnancy and in the subsequent two years after delivery.
By The Numbers
25.1
percent
of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage
