[Richmond, Virginia, January 29, 2024] – Healthy Hearts Plus II is honored to be named one of the 25
winners in Phase 1 of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Racial Equity in Postpartum Care
Challenge. This esteemed award, presented by the HHS Office on Women’s Health and the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, acknowledges the significant contributions of organizations working
to enhance postpartum care for Black or African American and American Indian/Alaska Native
(AI/AN) women.

The Racial Equity in Postpartum Care Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative backed by a $1.8 million
fund, was created to combat maternal health disparities, particularly in Medicaid and the Children’s
Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees. This challenge underscores the urgent need to address the
higher risks faced by Black or African American and AI/AN women in postpartum health issues,
including diabetes, depression, hypertension, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Dorothy Fink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health and Director of the Office on
Women’s Health, emphasized the criticality of the initiative: “Improving postpartum care for Black or
African American and American Indian or Alaska Native women is essential to reducing the significant
racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related outcomes. This challenge is a step towards ensuring
quality healthcare for nearly half of all birthing women in the U.S.”

Healthy Hearts Plus II stands among innovative organizations transforming postpartum care. With a
focus on community-specific needs, winners like Healthy Hearts Plus II have implemented diverse
approaches, from mobile health units to telemedicine, to provide comprehensive care in underserved
areas.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts in making a meaningful difference in the lives of new
mothers. This award not only acknowledges our commitment but also reinforces our resolve to
continue addressing the critical health needs of postpartum women in our community.”
Healthy Hearts Plus II’s initiative “A Mother’s Justice” is a testament to the power of targeted,
culturally sensitive healthcare solutions. Their work is an inspiration and a model for others striving to
bridge gaps in postpartum care across the nation.

For more information about Healthy Hearts Plus II and their work in the HHS Racial Equity in
Postpartum Care Challenge, please contact our media department.

About Healthy Hearts Plus II: Healthy Hearts Plus II is a nonprofit community based organization
located in Richmond, VA. HHP II was founded in 1999 springing from Healthy Heart Plus LLC, a
private nutritional consultation service. While practicing in the private industry as a Certified
Nutritional Consultant, founder and executive director, Alice Freeman recognized the lack of resources,
access to fresh foods, and nutritional training for under resourced communities. HHP II grew out of a
need to provide life enhancing nutritional education and services to under resourced communities, as a
result of social, economic and environmental disparities. Healthy Hearts Plus II addresses the root
cause of these issues through innovative educational programs that focus on holistic dietary lifestyle
changes through nutrition and interactive engagement within communities.