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U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, Kirsten Gillibrand (New York), and Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin) have introduced a bipartisan bill to continue the Healthy Start program, a federal effort that helps improve the health of mothers and babies before, during, and after pregnancy.

Healthy Start sends funding to communities with higher-than-average rates of infant deaths and pregnancy-related health problems. It focuses on areas with more premature births, low birth weights, and maternal health issues.

In Kansas, the program helps support Nurture KC, which offers free services to qualifying families. The group provides one-on-one help from community health workers, education about pregnancy and infant care, safe sleep guidance, and parenting support. It also helps families sign up for health insurance, find prenatal and pediatric care, and connect with nutrition programs, breastfeeding help, and food assistance.

The bill aims to keep these services going and expand support for families who need extra help for healthier pregnancies and babies.