A new partnership is helping mothers across the United States receive essential care in their most vulnerable moments. Through a $9 million investment from the State of New York, Baby2Baby has expanded its Maternal & Newborn Supply Kit Initiative to deliver critical supplies to every newborn covered by Medicaid.
The program now reaches 15 states, connecting health care systems and community organizations to improve maternal outcomes nationwide. Learn more at InStyle.
Meeting Basic Needs at Birth
Each kit includes items many families struggle to afford: diapers, wipes, postpartum pads, swaddles, and educational materials. For nonprofit leader Tracy Ingersoll, the initiative underscores how “basic needs support is the foundation of maternal and child health.” When parents receive these essentials at the hospital, it reduces anxiety, builds confidence, and helps ensure infants begin life in stable conditions.
The partnership began in 2023 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with Baby2Baby managing packaging and logistics. By connecting with hospitals that already serve Medicaid families, the organization is using existing infrastructure to scale quickly and reach those most in need.
Volunteer Power Behind the Program
Behind every kit are volunteers who sort, pack, and distribute supplies with care and purpose. Tracy Ingersoll notes that volunteerism plays a vital role in restoring dignity and stability for families in need. The Baby2Baby warehouse network depends on these volunteers to prepare and ship thousands of kits across multiple states—proof that local action can drive national impact.
For those looking to get involved, local nonprofits and hospitals often seek volunteers to assist with kit assembly or outreach. It’s a hands-on way to support maternal health while strengthening community ties.
A Model for Nonprofit Collaboration
The Baby2Baby program demonstrates what happens when nonprofits and government agencies work together: large-scale, measurable impact. By combining federal funding, state partnerships, and volunteer networks, this initiative shows a sustainable path forward for addressing basic needs through collaboration.
Leave a Reply