RFA A418 Notice of Funding Availability Healthy Beginnings

RFA A418 Notice of Funding Availability Healthy Beginnings is sponsored by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). This RFA announces funding availability for programs supporting healthy beginnings.

N. C. Division of Public Health v.

1-10-2025 Page 1 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 # Request for Applications FUNDING AGENCY: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section Infant and Community Health Branch ISSUE DATE: October 17, 2025 DEADLINE DATE: November 21, 2025 INQUIRIES and DELIVERY INFORMATION: Direct all inquiries concerning this RFA to: Renee Jackson, Program Manager – 919-707-5714, renee.

jackson@dhhs. nc. gov Electronic copies of the application are available at https://wicws.

dph. ncdhhs. gov/ .

Send all applications electronically as indicated below: renee. jackson@dhhs. nc.

gov IMPORTANT NOTE: Indicate agency/organization name and RFA number in the subject line of the email, along with the RFA deadline date. ## Applications will be received until 5:00 pm on November 21, 2025 Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N. C.

Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 2 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 RFA Table of Contents---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 I.

INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 ELIGIBILITY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 FUNDING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 II. BACKGROUND --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 III.

SCOPE OF SERVICES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 IV. GENERAL INFORMATION ON SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS ------------------------ 16 1. Award or Rejection --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 2.

Cost of Application Preparation ------------------------------------------------------------- 16 3. Elaborate Applications ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 4. Oral Explanations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 5.

Reference to Other Data ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 6. Titles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 7. Form of Application -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 8.

Exceptions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 9. Advertising ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 10. Right to Submitted Material ----------------------------------------------------------------- 16 11.

Competitive Offer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 12. Agency and Organization's Representative ------------------------------------------------ 17 13. Subcontracting --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 14.

Proprietary Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 15. Participation Encouraged --------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 16. Contract ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 V.

APPLICATION PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND APPLICATION REVIEW --------- 18 1. Announcement of the Request for Applications (RFA) --------------------------------- 18 2. Distribution of the RFA ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 3.

Pre-Application Webinar / Consultation Period / Optional Notice of Intent --------- 18 4. Applications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18 5. Format ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 6.

Space Allowance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19 7. Application Deadline ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 8. Review of Applications----------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 9.

Request for Additional Information -------------------------------------------------------- 19 10. Audit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 11. Assurances-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 12.

Additional Documentation to Include with Application --------------------------------- 20 13. Federal Certifications ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 14. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) -------------------------------------------------------------- 20 15.

Additional Documentation Prior to Contract Execution --------------------------------- 20 16. Registration with NC Secretary of State --------------------------------------------------- 21 17. Registration in NC e-Procurement via NC Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) --------- 21 18.

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) --------------------- 21 19. Sudan Divestment Act ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21 20. Iran Divestment Act --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 21.

Boycott Israel Divestment Policy ----------------------------------------------------------- 21 Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N. C. Division of Public Health v.

1-10-2025 Page 3 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 22. Application Process Summary Dates ------------------------------------------------------- 22 VI. PROJECT BUDGET --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 VII.

EVALUATION CRITERIA ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 26 VIII.

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION ------------------------------------------------------------ 27 Application Checklist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27 Appendix A Cover Letter -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 Appendix B Application Form -------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 Application Face Sheet----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 Indirect Cost Rate Approval Letter (if applicable) -------------------------------------------- 47 SubContractor/SubGrantee Information --------------------------------------------------------- 48 IRS Letter -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 Verification of 501(c)(3) Status Form ----------------------------------------------------------- 51 FEDERAL CERTIFICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------- 62 CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ------------------------------------------------------------ 71 Conflict of Interest Policy Example --------------------------------------------------------------- 72 NO OVERDUE TAX DEBTS CERTIFICATION --------------------------------------------- 74 CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------ 75 FFATA Form ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 77 Confirmation of Registration and Login NC Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) and eProcurement ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 78 Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N.

C. Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 4 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 Healthy Beginnings (HB) is North Carolina’s minority infant mortality reduction program.

Grants are awarded for a three-year period and are administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health (DPH), Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section (WICWS), Infant and Community Health Branch (ICHB). The ICHB develops and promotes programs and services that protect the health and well-being of infants and of women during their childbearing years.

HB’s goals include improving birth outcomes among minority women, reducing minority infant morbidity and mortality, and supporting families and communities. HB serves women during and beyond pregnancy and their children up to two years after delivery. Evidence-based and evidence-informed interventions are used to improve the health and well-being of minority women and improve their birth outcomes.

Public or private nonprofit agencies (e.g. community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, local health departments, community health centers) from ALL counties in North Carolina are eligible to apply to receive funding to implement the HB program. The HB program is aimed to impact the reduction of minority infant mortality, and preterm and low birthweight births in their community and thereby improve minority birth outcomes.

The infant mortality rate is the number of infants who die before their first birthday per 1,000 live births. Potential applicants should consider whether their agency has the capacity to administer the state grant funds if awarded. Recipients of state funds are expected to have established in writing certain general agency policies including personnel and financial accounting policies.

Funds to grantees will be dispersed on a cost reimbursement basis only and agencies should carefully consider if they have the capacity to implement the program under this system.

In an effort to make an impact in reducing infant mortality rates among minority populations and reducing the three-fold disparity between white and African American infant mortality in North Carolina, counties will receive additional scores based on need under two categories. This includes the top-ranking counties for the highest minority infant mortality rates and the disparity ratios for infant mortality.

The top-ranking counties were identified based on their five-year average infant mortality rates between 2019-2023. In Table 1, an infant mortality need score has been assigned to the top 26 counties based upon their ranking position (refer to Table 1 on page 5). In Table 2, a disparity ratio need score has been assigned to the top 26 counties based upon their ranking position (refer to Table 2 on page 6).

Applications are desired from agencies located in counties under these two categories. The need score shall be added to the application score established by an objective review committee. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N.

C. Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 5 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 Table 1: Infant Mortality Need Score 1 Rank County 5-yr.

Infant Mortality Rate Need Score North Carolina minority infant mortality rates 2019-2023 are based on infant deaths reported among African American Non-Hispanic, American Indian/Alaskan Native Non-Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander Non-Hispanic, Multi-Racial Non-Hispanic, and Hispanic populations.

Counties whose infant mortality rates are based on less than 10 deaths are excluded from this list, as the State Center for Health Statistics considers these rates unreliable. Source: NC Department of Health and Human Services State Center for Health Statistics. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N.

C. Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 6 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 Table 2: Disparity Ratio Need Score 2 Rank County 5-yr.

Disparity Ratio Need Score North Carolina infant mortality disparity ratios 2019-2023 are based on disparities between infant deaths reported among White Non-Hispanics and African American Non-Hispanics. Counties whose infant mortality rates are based on less than 10 deaths are excluded from this list, as the State Center for Health Statistics considers these rates unreliable.

Source: NC Department of Health and Human Services State Center for Health Statistics. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N. C.

Division of Public Health v.

1-10-2025 Page 7 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 Between 10 and 12 agencies will receive funding at the following award levels for the three-year grant period: • Year 1 (June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027) – Awards are between $86,390 and $103,670 • Year 2 (June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028) – Awards are between $65,500 and $80,000 • Year 3 (June 1, 2028 – May 31, 2029) – Awards are between $65,500 and $80,000 Funding will be available for three years, contingent upon contract compliance, program performance, and the availability of funding.

The funding period for contracts awarded through this competitive application process will begin June 1, 2026, and end on May 31, 2029. Funding for this program in year one is 76% State funds and 24% Federal funds. Funding for this program in years two and three are 100% State funds.

If awarded federal pass-through funds, Applicant as well as all SubGrantees of the Applicant must certify the following whenever applying for funds, requesting payment, and submitting financial reports: “I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the information provided herein is true, complete, and accurate.

I am aware that the provision of false, fictitious, or fraudulent information, or the omission of any material fact, may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative consequences including, but not limited to violations of U.S. Code Title 18, Sections 2, 1001, 1343 and Title 31, Sections 3729-3730 and 3801-3812.

” In 1994, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated funds to support projects that demonstrated the capacity to lower infant mortality and low birthweight rates among minority populations. The goal of HB was to address the two-fold disparity between white and minority infant mortality in the State of North Carolina by focusing on areas with significant minority infant mortality.

A community-based approach addressing infant mortality was mandated with a specific focus on the formulation and implementation of innovative strategies to improve birth outcomes and involvement from a variety of community organizations. In 2023, the total infant mortality rate in North Carolina was 6. 9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

The infant mortality rate for non-Hispanic whites was 4. 5. The minority infant mortality rate was 9.

2, which includes the population categories of African Americans, American Indians and Multi-Race (all non-Hispanics), and Hispanics. In 2023, the infant mortality rates for African Americans and American Indians were 13. 6 and 7.

4 respectively. A racial disparity remains in the state with the African American population having infant mortality rates that is 3 times higher than the white population. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N.

C. Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 8 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 HB serves minority women during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and up to two years interconceptionally.

HB services are provided to all enrolled program participants through care coordination contacts, home visits, and group education sessions. Specific program components are required during the prenatal and interconception periods (time period between pregnancies or after a pregnancy). All HB staff are required to complete trainings and/or utilize educational materials identified by the ICHB for each program component.

Each HB site shall hire a minimum of 1. 0 full-time equivalent program staff person who is responsible for providing care coordination services to all enrolled program participants. Care coordination services and the minimum requirements for the frequency and type of contacts with program participants are described under Care Coordination Services and Home Visits.

HB staff responsibilities also include coordinating and facilitating group educational sessions, planning and facilitating the Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings, as well as planning and participating in community outreach and educational activities. Additional HB staff responsibilities are listed below and under Reporting Requirements. i.

Education and Experience Requirements HB staff must have a minimum of a two-year associate degree in social sciences/human services or related degree with a minimum of two years of experience working in a health/social service agency, or a four-year bachelor’s degree in health education/social work or related degree with one year of experience working or interning in a health/social service agency. B.

Caseload and Enrollment Eligibility Each HB site shall maintain a minimum caseload of 40 unduplicated minority pregnant and/or interconception women. HB sites shall serve all enrolled women and their children prenatally and up to two years interconceptionally. Eligible program participants are minority women who are pregnant or no more than 60-days postpartum at program entry.

For pregnant women, every effort should be made to enroll as early in their pregnancy as possible. At least 80% of the program participant caseload must be pregnant at enrollment. No more than 20% of program participant caseload can be enrolled during the 60-day postpartum period (up to 60 days after the baby is born).

Interconception women cannot be enrolled into HB after the 60-day postpartum period. C. Care Coordination Services and Home Visits HB staff shall provide care coordination services to all enrolled program participants.

Under HB, care coordination services include conducting assessments and screenings and providing education, support and referrals to program participants. HB staff shall provide a minimum of 12 monthly care coordination contacts per year, which equates to one contact per month.

At least six (6) of the 12 contacts must be home visits and the remaining six (6) contacts can be conducted by phone, in person (in the office, clinic, or community location), or virtually. The annual time-period for the 12 care coordination contacts begins on the program participant’s enrollment date.

One (1) additional home visit (or visit in the hospital) is required within one to three weeks after the baby’s birth for all program participants who enrolled prenatally. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N. C.

Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 9 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 HB staff shall provide care coordination services (as described above) under each program component. The program components required during the prenatal period for pregnant participants and during the interconception period for interconception participants, are listed below: i.

Prenatal Period – Pregnant Participants: HB staff shall provide breastfeeding education and conduct an assessment on the participants’ plan to breastfeed. HB staff will provide education during pregnancy to support their plan. HB staff will also provide education and resources to fathers/partners and family members on breastfeeding and ways to support breastfeeding mothers.

HB staff shall screen all participants for depression during pregnancy using the self-administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). HB staff shall follow the HB EPDS Policy and Procedures for administering the screening tool, interpreting scores, re-screening, and providing education and referrals when indicated. The HB EPDS Policy and Procedures will be provided by the ICHB.

c. Folic Acid/Multivitamins HB staff shall provide education and support to ensure that participants are consuming a multivitamin that contains the recommended daily allowance of folic acid and other nutrients needed during pregnancy (commonly found in prenatal vitamins).

HB staff shall provide referrals or resources to obtain prenatal vitamins (if available) and conduct monthly assessments to ensure that participants are taking folic acid/prenatal vitamins daily. d.

Healthy Weight and Physical Activity HB staff shall provide education on the recommended healthy weight gain range during pregnancy based on the participant’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), along with education and support on nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy. HB staff will also offer education and resources to fathers/partners and family members on healthy eating and physical activity. e.

Infant Safe Sleep Practices HB staff shall provide education to participants, fathers/partners and family members on current infant safe sleep practices to help them prepare a safe sleep space before the baby is born. HB staff will provide resources and referrals for infant items that are approved for safe sleep spaces when available.

HB staff shall provide education and support to ensure that participants are receiving early and continuous prenatal care during pregnancy. HB staff shall provide participants with referrals to prenatal care providers when they are not receiving prenatal care at enrollment. HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments to ensure that participants are receiving continuous prenatal care.

Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N. C. Division of Public Health v.

1-10-2025 Page 10 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 g. Reproductive Life Planning HB staff shall conduct a reproductive life plan assessment with participants and provide education during pregnancy to support their plan. HB staff will provide education on the risks of short interpregnancy intervals (repeat pregnancies sooner than 18 months).

HB staff will also offer education and resources to fathers/partners on effective contraceptive methods. h. Tobacco Use/Smoking Cessation and Eliminating Exposure HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments and provide education and guidance to help participants quit using tobacco products (inclusive of electronic nicotine delivery systems) and eliminate their exposure to tobacco products.

HB staff shall provide education and support to participants who are smoking or using other tobacco products using the 5A’s. The 5A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) is a brief, evidence-based intervention that can help participants quit using tobacco products.

HB staff will also offer education and resources to help fathers/partners and family members quit using tobacco products and provide education on the risks of exposure to tobacco products. HB staff shall refer participants, fathers/partners and family members to QuitlineNC for tobacco cessation counseling. ii.

Interconception Period – Interconception Participants HB staff shall provide education, support and referrals to encourage breastfeeding initiation and maintenance for at least six (6) months. HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments and provide ongoing support and referrals to help participants continue to breastfeed.

HB staff will also provide education and support to fathers/partners and family members to support breastfeeding mothers. HB staff shall screen participants for depression during the interconception period using the self-administered EPDS. HB staff shall follow the HB EPDS Policy and Procedures for administering the screening tool, interpreting scores, re-screening, and providing education and referrals when indicated.

c. Healthy Weight and Physical Activity HB staff shall provide education and support on healthy weight and physical activity during the interconception period. HB staff shall conduct assessments on participants’ postpartum BMI, no sooner than six (6) weeks after baby’s birth and at program discharge when baby turns two years of age.

HB staff will also offer education and resources to fathers/partners and family members on healthy eating and physical activity. d. Infant Safe Sleep Practices HB staff shall provide education to participants, fathers/partners and family members on current infant safe sleep practices.

HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments on infant safe sleep practices until the child is 12 months of age. HB staff will provide resources and referrals for infant items that are approved for safe sleep spaces when available. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N.

C. Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 11 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 HB staff shall provide education and support to ensure that participants are continuing to consume multivitamins that contain the recommended daily allowance of folic acid and other nutrients.

HB staff shall provide referrals or resources to obtain multivitamins (if available) and conduct monthly assessments to ensure that participants are taking multivitamins daily. HB staff shall provide education and support to ensure that participants are receiving postpartum care checkups as determined by their medical provider. HB staff shall conduct assessments to document the date participants received their postpartum care checkups.

g. Reproductive Life Planning HB staff shall conduct a reproductive life plan assessment with participants to include discussing plans for having more children and providing education on all approved contraceptive methods, from the most effective to the least effective, using a patient-centered approach. HB staff will provide education on the risks of short interpregnancy intervals (repeat pregnancies sooner than 18 months).

HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments on the primary birth control method being used. HB staff will also offer education and resources to fathers/partners on reproductive life planning. h.

Tobacco Use/Smoking Cessation and Eliminating Exposure HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments and provide education and guidance to help participants quit using tobacco products (inclusive of electronic nicotine delivery systems) using the 5A’s. The 5A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) is a brief, evidence-based intervention that can help participants quit using tobacco products.

HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments and provide education and advice to help eliminate participants’ and their child(ren)’s exposure to tobacco products. HB staff will also offer education and resources to help fathers/partners and family members quit using tobacco products (inclusive of electronic nicotine delivery systems) and provide education on the risks of exposure to tobacco products.

HB staff shall provide referrals to participants, fathers/partners and family members to QuitlineNC for additional tobacco cessation counseling. HB staff shall provide education and referrals to participants to ensure their children are receiving all the recommended well-childcare visits and immunizations based on the recommendations for preventive pediatric health care from Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics.

HB staff shall conduct monthly assessments to ensure that well-childcare visits are being received. E. Education and Training HB staff shall participate in quarterly program webinars, an annual skill building workshop, and other trainings required by the ICHB.

HB staff shall receive education and training in the topics listed below. Please refer to Appendix C for detailed information on the required trainings (including cost and location) and educational materials and resources described below. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N.

C. Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 12 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 HB staff shall attend the North Carolina Division of Child and Family Well-Being (NC DCFW), Community Nutrition Services Section (CNSS), Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Core Level 2 Training.

This training will provide HB staff with the knowledge and skills to educate and promote breastfeeding to program participants during pregnancy to assist them in making informed decisions for feeding their baby. For program participants, who initiate breastfeeding after birth, the HB staff will provide education and support for continued breastfeeding, and referral to lactation experts in the community when needed.

HB staff shall receive education on the important role fathers/partners have in breastfeeding decision making to further encourage initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding among program participants. HB staff shall receive training from the ICHB on the EPDS and the policy and procedures for the use of the EPDS with program participants during the prenatal period and interconception period. iii.

Folic Acid/Multivitamins HB staff shall utilize the March of Dimes educational materials on folic acid, prenatal vitamins, nutrients need before, during, and after pregnancy. iv.

Healthy Weight and Physical Activity HB staff shall utilize the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), NC DCFW, and Eat Smart, Move More NC’s recommendations and educational materials on appropriate weight gain, nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy, and healthy eating and physical activity during the interconception period.

HB staff shall receive training in the Florida State University’s Partners for a Healthy Baby (PHB) home visiting curriculum and utilize this curriculum when conducting home visits with program participants. HB staff will be required to educate program participants on specific PHB curriculum content during the prenatal period and during the interconception period. The list of required PHB curriculum content will be provided by the ICHB.

vi. Infant Safe Sleep Practices HB staff shall receive training on infant safe sleep practices to provide program participants, fathers/partners and family members with education on how to create safe sleep spaces to reduce the incidence of sleep-related infant deaths. HB staff shall receive basic education on pregnancy and birth education from the NC DPH, WICWS.

This education will help HB staff provide information and support to pregnant program participants and their families. The information HB staff provides, on evidence-informed birth practices and strategies, will help participants and their families make informed decisions related to their care, and effectively communicate with health care providers during birth. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N.

C. Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 13 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 HB staff shall utilize the recommendations from ACOG Committee Opinion on Optimizing Postpartum Care to ensure that participants are receiving postpartum care.

ix. Reproductive Life Planning HB staff shall receive training and educational materials from the Reproductive Health National Training Center on the current methods of birth control, which will include the benefits, potential side effects and effectiveness rates for each birth control method; and training on how to help program participants create reproductive life plans. x.

Tobacco Use/Smoking Cessation and Eliminating Exposure HB staff shall receive training on evidenced-based tobacco cessation counseling and utilize educational materials to help program participants, fathers/partners and family members quit using tobacco products (inclusive of electronic nicotine delivery systems) and eliminate exposure to tobacco products.

HB staff shall utilize the recommendations for preventive pediatric health care up until two years of age from Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics. F. Group Educational Sessions Each HB site shall provide a minimum of seven (7) group educational sessions per year.

Six (6) group educational sessions shall be provided to all enrolled program participants. Group educational topics shall be chosen based upon the needs of and requests from program participants. Group educational session topics may include: infant safe sleep practices, reproductive life planning, pregnancy and birth, breastfeeding, nutrition and physical activity, tobacco use/smoking cessation, and well-child visits/immunizations.

HB staff shall encourage program participants to attend these group educational sessions with fathers/partners and family members. One (1) group educational session shall be provided to fathers/partners and/or support persons/ family members and pregnant program participants and program participants who are breastfeeding.

It is highly recommended that this session is held during the program participant’s prenatal period so that decisions on infant feeding can be made before the participant gives birth. This group educational session will cover the father’s/partner’s involvement during pregnancy and after the baby is born, how fathers/partners can connect with the baby and the mom, and the father’s/partner’s role in breastfeeding and supporting the mom.

ICHB will provide a facilitator outline for this breastfeeding group educational session. HB staff shall develop and administer a pre-test and post-test for each group educational session to measure the percentage of program participants who gained knowledge. ICHB will provide examples of pre-tests and post-tests if needed.

HB staff shall follow the Eat Smart, Move More NC’s guidelines for healthy foods and beverages at group educational meetings, if applicable. These guidelines can be found at: www. MyEatSmartMoveMore.

com . Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N. C.

Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 14 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 G. Community Advisory Board Each HB site shall maintain a Community Advisory Board (CAB) that convenes at least quarterly (a minimum of four times per year) and more often as needed.

The CAB shall have a minimum of ten (10) members, not including HB staff.

The CAB membership shall include at least two (2) HB program participants (current or past enrollees) along with at least eight (8) representatives from health and human service agencies and other community entities such as: hospitals/health care organizations, schools/educational institutions, local businesses, churches/faith-based organizations, and women and family support services agencies.

At least one HB program participant CAB member must be in attendance for 75% of CAB meetings (at least three meetings per year).

The CAB shall be responsible for advising and assisting HB staff to provide high quality and appropriate services to the program participants, providing feedback for program improvement to meet service deliverables, reviewing educational and promotional materials developed by the program to ensure appropriateness for the community, promoting and supporting the program in the community, and assisting HB staff to obtain resources.

A meeting agenda shall be developed for every CAB meeting and meeting minutes shall be taken at every meeting to document the work of the CAB. Meeting minutes should include the names of the individuals and organizations in attendance and specific details on the information discussed during the meeting.

Educational and promotional materials that are reviewed should be documented in the meeting minutes and include the name and purpose of the materials, and the CAB recommendations regarding the use of such materials. Meeting minutes shall be distributed to the CAB membership following every CAB meeting. H.

Community Outreach and Education HB staff shall conduct and/or participate in four (4) community outreach and education activities (e.g. radio broadcasts, newspaper articles, health fairs, and provider training sessions) per year. These community outreach and education activities shall be related to maternal and infant health among minority women.

HB sites are encouraged to include fathers/partners and family members in their community outreach and education activities. I. Program Performance Outcome Measures i.

At least 50% of pregnant program participants shall be enrolled in the first trimester. ii. At least 80% of pregnant program participants shall begin receiving prenatal care in the first trimester.

iii. At least 90% of program participants enrolled prenatally shall receive a home visit (or visit in hospital) within one (1) to three (3) weeks after the baby’s birth. iv.

At least 35% of interconception program participants shall initiate breastfeeding and maintain for at least six (6) months. v. At least 90% of interconception program participants shall receive a postpartum checkup no later than 12 weeks after baby’s birth.

vi. At least 95% of program participants shall receive depression screening within 30 days of enrollment. vii.

At least 80% of interconception program participants shall always lay their babies down to sleep on their backs until their child reaches 12 months of age. Docusign Envelope ID: 41214287-274A-4C07-AA87-1C6870FCA66D N. C.

Division of Public Health v. 1-10-2025 Page 15 of 79 RFA # A418 RFA Date 10/17/2025 viii. At least 90% of interconception program participants shall experience an interpregnancy interval greater than 18 months.

2. Reporting Requirements HB staff shall utilize the Healthy Beginnings (HB) forms to: screen for program eligibility; conduct assessments and monthly contacts; screen for depression; document program participant information and education and referrals provided under each program component; and document care coordination services provided during the prenatal and interconception periods.

Care coordination services also include providing information and referrals for: prenatal and primary care, transportation, childcare, school, employment, mental health, substance use, and intimate partner violence. Information and referrals are provided based upon the program participant’s needs and the resources available. The current HB forms can be found at: https://wicws.

dph. ncdhhs. gov/provPart/forms.

htm . HB forms training will be required and provided by the ICHB. Each HB site shall utilize the HB database to enter program participant-level data on a quarterly basis.

The HB database is a file developed in the Microsoft Excel software program. HB staff are responsible for accurate and timely data entry in the HB database file provided to each HB site annually. Each HB site shall submit quarterly database reports.

HB database report submission dates will be determined by the ICHB. HB database training will be required and provided