Medicaid Expansion Narrows Maternal Health Coverage Gaps, But Racial Disparities Persist
A new report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families shows that a state’s decision on whether to expand Medicaid has a profound impact on women of childbearing age (18-44). In 2019, across all racial and ethnic groups, women in non-expansion states were more likely to be uninsured than women in states that had expanded Medicaid. Research shows that expanding Medicaid health coverage helps to lower maternal mortality rates and increases access and use of health care among women of childbearing age. Closing the coverage gap is a critical first step to combatting the maternal health crisis in our country and addressing persistent racial and ethnic health inequities.
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History in Wisconsin: Who Was Missing and Why Is This Important?
Archived Meeting Resources July 24, 2025
We launched an engaging and transformative mini-series focused on the power of collaboration in shaping policies and programs that impact children and families. Parents, educators, community leaders, researchers, and advocacy leaders from across Wisconsin began sharing their stories about supporting systems change in early care and education. In this session, we discussed Wisconsin's history, identified who was absent from the conversation, and explored why their involvement is crucial.
Under the Surface: Confronting Housing Access in Early Childhood
Archived Webinar July 16, 2025
Meet Monique Fountain Hanna: The BUILD Initiative’s Newest Staff Member
Blog June 30, 2025
The BUILD Initiative is thrilled to welcome Monique Fountain Hanna, MD, MPH, MBA, to our staff as Interim Director of State Services. Monique has over 23 years of experience transforming public health systems; driving health equity; overseeing the development of infant, maternal, and child health-serving systems; and advancing quality standards across the country.