Maternal health program funding aimed at Whatcom Co. area tribal women
A tribal health care organization will be partnering with St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham as part of a statewide effort to reduce maternal death and disease and offer support to pregnant women and mothers of American Indian and Alaska Native descent.
The Northwest Washington Indian Health Board was awarded $200,000 annually over two years to bolster its maternal health partnership with St. Joseph, the only birthing hospital in Whatcom County. The tribal health board includes Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, Swinomish, Tulalip and Upper Skagit tribes.
A total of $400,000 in funds from the state Department of Health were announced locally Monday as part of the 2025 Maternal Health Innovations Program, according to a statement.
Lacy Fehrenbach, chief of prevention, safety and health at the Department of Health, said that the program will start a statewide maternal health task force, set priorities for the next five years, and aim to improve how maternal mortality and morbidity data are collected and used at the state level.
“These awards are a key step to improving maternal health and reducing health inequities in tribal and rural communities, where access to maternity care can be limited,” Fehrenbach said. “The awards also reflect our commitment to investing in community-driven solutions to improve maternal health for Washington residents—no matter where they live.”
Funds from the grant will help start a local doula network, “offering culturally grounded childbirth, lactation, and perinatal mental health support, while connecting American Indian/Alaska Native families with Indigenous Life Givers during hospital and clinic visits,” according to the statement.
Award winners were selected by a committee of five American Indian/Alaska Native community members from across the state.
