BCBSND Caring Foundation drives progress in maternal health through grants

FARGO, N.D. – Access to quality, timely care remains a key factor in maternal health outcomes, yet many North Dakota women, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, continue to face barriers to care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 Maternal Health Grants. Central Valley Health District, Family HealthCare and MyAlly Health were selected for their work addressing maternal health challenges and advancing improved outcomes for mothers and families. Funding will support their community-based efforts to reduce disparities, expand access to care and strengthen education and support services throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

“Thank you, BCBSND Caring Foundation, for this recognition,” said Tanya Baity, nurse midwife at Family HealthCare. “Now more than ever pregnant people in our community are facing huge challenges in their access to prenatal care, and having the support of partners like the Caring Foundation is a big help in our being able to continue to provide this whole-person, quality, compassionate care to people who need it most."

“These grants reflect the power of community-driven solutions to advance maternal well-being,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation. “These organizations are leading critical efforts to improve women’s health across North Dakota. Their commitment to creating lasting change for mothers, babies and entire communities is truly worth celebrating."

Learn more about the recipients:

Central Valley Health District – Stutsman County

To improve maternal health across rural communities, Central Valley Health District provides coordinated, community-based support for women before, during and after pregnancy. Their work includes expanding access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, as well as lactation support, reproductive health care and postpartum services. These programs reduce barriers and strengthen outcomes for mothers and families across Stutsman County.

Family HealthCare – Cass County

Through a midwifery-led care model, Family HealthCare strengthens maternal health by integrating behavioral health, substance use treatment and culturally responsive support for underserved populations. Their work includes expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder, mental health screening and care coordination, including innovative services for incarcerated and immigrant women, to improve equitable outcomes for mothers and newborns in Cass County.

MyAlly Health – Grand Forks County

By integrating pregnancy history, postpartum and mental health screenings into routine clinic visits, MyAlly Health delivers low-barrier maternal and reproductive health care. Their program model emphasizes early identification, education and follow-up, helping connect mothers to timely medical care and community resources, with a growing focus on expanding this approach to clinics statewide.

The Maternal Health Grant program represents a continuation of BCBSND Caring Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for mothers and infants. Through sustained investment in maternal health, the Foundation supports strong families, healthier communities and long-term benefits that extend across generations.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation

Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/caring-foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.