$5.5 million allocated to strengthen maternal and child health services in PR

By THE STAR STAFF

Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera announced on Tuesday the allocation of $5,514,978 to the Puerto Rico Department of Health to strengthen maternal and child health services through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“This allocation is not simply a number; it is a statement of priorities,” Hernández Rivera said in a written statement. “It is a recognition that every Puerto Rican mother and child deserves access to dignified, accessible, and quality healthcare.”

According to the information provided, the grant will strengthen essential public health initiatives and impact the provision of services aimed at mothers, infants, and communities throughout the island.

Regarding the use of the funds, the resident commissioner said the grant comes from the Maternal and Child Health Services program under the HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration and will cover the period from Oct. 1 of this year to Sept. 30, 2027. The resources will support prenatal care, pediatric services, vaccination efforts and community education on preventive health, according to the information provided.

Regarding the program’s scope, Hernández Rivera emphasized that the project will be led by the island Health Department and that its priority is to ensure that Puerto Rican families receive equitable treatment in federal programs.

“The health of our children in federal budgets must be a central priority,” he said. “From our office, we will continue to announce every federal allocation that benefits Puerto Rico.”