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Funded Projects

Bridging Gaps in Perinatal Care: A First Breath Pilot Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health

Awarded in 2025
Community Impact Grant
Updated Nov 12, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Bridging Gaps in Perinatal Care: A First Breath Pilot Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health, led by the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, is expanding the statewide First Breath program to better support the mental health of pregnant and postpartum people working to reduce or quit substance use. Guided by input from people with lived experience, the initiative introduces enhanced mental health supports, including improved screening tools, educational text messages and additional check-ins with trained health educators. By integrating mental health care into existing perinatal services, the project aims to increase engagement, improve health outcomes and reduce gaps in care for families across Wisconsin. Danielle McCarthy, PhD, professor, UW–Madison Department of Medicine, serves as the academic partner.

More Funded Projects

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Community Impact Grant

Addressing and Preventing Childhood Trauma in Winnebago County: A Community Schools Approach

Awarded in 2025
The project, Addressing and Preventing Childhood Trauma in Winnebago County: A Community Schools Approach, led by Winnebago County Public Health, uses a community school approach to address and prevent childhood trauma by embedding Community Health Workers (CHWs) in two local schools. The initiative connects families facing economic hardship with resources such as food, housing and transportation support, reducing stress and improving students’ ability to learn and attend school regularly. By providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care and engaging parents, teachers and community partners, the project aims to enhance student well-being, academic achievement and family stability. Samantha Larson, PhD, assistant professor, Public Administration, UW–Oshkosh, serves as the academic partner.
community icon: shaking hands and group of people
Community Impact Grant

Accelerating Birth Equity in Wisconsin Through a Community-based Doula Workforce

Awarded in 2025
The project, Accelerating Birth Equity in Wisconsin Through a Community-based Doula Workforce, led by the Foundation of Black Women’s Wellness, seeks to improve maternal and child health outcomes for Black mothers and babies through a strategy that expands and sustains a community-based doula workforce. By providing culturally aligned perinatal care and collaborating with health system teams and community health workers, the initiative seeks to improve birth outcomes, reduce complications and promote equitable access to trusted, high-quality care. Tiffany Green, PhD, associate professor, Department of Population Health Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynecology, UW–Madison, serves as the academic partner.