Press Releases

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 GRANT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GROUP FOR THE MATERNAL, INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING GRANT PROGRAM

 Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $1,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Virgin Islands Department of Health Group:

“Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the U.S. Virgin Islands $1,000,000 for the Virgin Islands Department of Health Group for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Grant Program. The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MCHB) Program gives pregnant women and families, particularly those considered at-risk, necessary resources and skills to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn.

“From birth to kindergarten entry, MCHB, in partnership with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), funds states, territories, and tribal entities to develop and implement evidence-based, voluntary programs that best meet the needs of their communities. Goals for every program are to improve maternal and child health, prevent child abuse and neglect, encourage positive parenting, and promote child development and school readiness. By electing to participate in local home visiting programs, families receive help from health, social service, and child development professionals. Through regular, planned home visits, parents learn how to improve their family's health and provide better opportunities for their children.”