The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi (WFM) has been awarded a three-year, $1.17 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand access to culturally responsive maternal and infant health care and strengthen community-driven health systems in Metro Jackson, East Biloxi, and Sunflower County.
The grant will support the WFM’s efforts to address persistent disparities in maternal and infant health by investing in local organizations, trusted care providers, and community-based solutions that improve birth outcomes for Mississippi families.
As part of the initiative, the WFM has awarded grants to the following partners:
• The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, led by CEO Dr. Sandra Melvin, will serve Sunflower County through its Mothers First Mississippi: A Community-Centered Maternal and Infant Health Program.
• Mom.ME., led by Executive Director, Lauren Jones, will serve Metro Jackson and Sunflower County, MS through its project, Bridges of Care: Strengthening Maternal Health Networks in MS.
• Magnolia Medical Foundation, led by CEO Dr. Erica Thompson, will serve East Biloxi through its EarlyEngage Maternal Health Networks: Clinic to Community Engagement project.
“Every mother and baby in Mississippi deserves care that is respectful, accessible, and responsive to their needs,” said Melanie Powell, executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi. “This investment from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation allows us to deepen partnerships with communities and build systems of care that are rooted in equity, dignity, and trust.”
When asked about the impact of receiving the $250,000, Dr. Sandra Melvin, CEO of IAMH, commented, “For mothers in Sunflower County, this investment supports care coordination, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and postpartum follow-up. This means high-risk conditions such as hypertension, mental health concerns, and other pregnancy-related complications can be identified and managed earlier, reducing missed visits, delayed care, preventable complications, and poor birth outcomes. Healthier mothers mean healthier babies and ultimately, healthier communities. ”
Dr. Erica Thomposon, CEO of Magnolia Medical, commented, “This $250,000 investment in Magnolia Medical Foundation is more than funding; it is a lifeline for mothers, babies, and the nonprofits working to fill critical gaps in care. In a state facing high maternal mortality rates and widespread maternity-care deserts, this support helps us expand prenatal and postpartum care, education, breastfeeding support, and hypertension monitoring for families who are too often overlooked. More importantly, it gives nonprofits like ours the stability to build trust, strengthen relationships, and provide the compassionate, wraparound care that can change the course of a family’s life across Mississippi, especially along the Gulf Coast.”
Ms. Marilyn Johnson of Mom.ME shared that “this funding will help us expand maternal mental health education, peer support, outreach, and care coordination for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. It will also strengthen community partnerships and help us reach more underserved families. At Mom.ME, we know maternal health is personal. This investment allows us to continue creating safe, supportive spaces where mothers feel heard, connected, and empowered with resources that can make a lasting difference for their families.”
Media Contact: Melanie Powell, Executive Director, Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, 601-326-2001 melanie@womensfoundationms.org