Tom Harkin: “I have worked hard in this bill to make prevention a priority. Doula programs provide the help and support that families…”

“I have worked hard in this bill to make prevention a priority. Doula programs provide the help and support that families need to create a safe environment for new infants, particularly when mothers have nutritional challenges. Everything we learn from the National Institutes of Health reminds us that this early stage of development is so key to our health and well-being. And I want to applaud my friend Senator Durbin for bringing this proven model to me last year. We worked hard to include funding and I agree with him that expert technical assistance will be an important component to this initiative. I look forward to working with Senator Durbin and Senator Specter to monitor the implementation of this program and the outcomes it provides.”