The CWHA's Infant Mortality Prevention Initiative works to improve birth outcomes by increasing access to care for pregnant women and their families. The contribution will be used to implement a Community Health Education Campaign and Community Forum, that targets high-risk populations residing in the central Brooklyn community.

"The social reality of infant mortality and morbidity has become a grave public health issue in New York City. While infant mortality has declined over the last ten years, the problem of infants dying before their first birthday is greater than two times the citywide rate in communities of color," said Dr. Marcia Bayne-Smith, board chair for the Caribbean Women's Health Association, Inc. "We are extremely appreciative of the AMERIGROUP Foundation's support of this initiative and its commitment to improving access to health care for our community's children and families."

"One of the Foundation's core funding areas is to focus on fostering access to health care. We are pleased to be able to support CWHA's infant mortality prevention initiative that promotes both health care access and education to pregnant women in the Brooklyn community," said Herman Wright, AMERIGROUP Foundation board member.

Helping to create healthy communities is the cornerstone of the AMERIGROUP Foundation's vision. Underscoring this vision is the Foundation's mission: to serve as a national resource that fosters an environment, where there is a continuum of education, access and care, all of which improve the health and well-being of lower-income and uninsured Americans. The Foundation's funding priorities are fostering access to health care, ensuring safe and healthy children and families, and promoting community improvement and healthy neighborhoods. For more information, visit http://www.amerigroupcorp.com .