Podcast Summary
Community Development, Maternal Health: Southern Illinois communities receive grants for infrastructure improvement in underserved areas and opportunity zones, while maternal health equity progresses through expanding access to birth centers and educational campaigns
Eight Southern Illinois communities are set to improve their public infrastructure through community development block grants, focusing on underserved areas, opportunity zones, and projects with non-state matching components. Meanwhile, the demand for natural health remedies continues to grow, as evidenced by the upcoming Diampere Herbal annual herbal medicine workshop. The Illinois Maternal Health Task Force reported progress in reducing maternal health inequities over the past four years, with accomplishments such as expanding access to birth centers and developing educational campaigns. The group, which includes Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and State Representative Robin Gable, recognized as maternal health champions, continues to make strides towards their goals.