TITLE
title
GUILFORD COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH : INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH FORSYTH COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR IMPROVING COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH (ICO4MCH) $201,808
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SPONSOR
sponsor
Courtney McFadden
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BACKGROUND
background
The Board of Commissioners is requested to approve an interlocal agreement with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health to transfer $201,808 in grant funds in support of a regional partnership to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Through funding received from NCDHHS, Guilford County Health and Human Services Agency - Department of Public Health (HHS-DPH) will serve as the lead agency for a multi-county ICO4MCH (Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health) Community Impact Grant in partnership with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health. This partnership will allow both counties to implement proven, evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and young children.
The eligibility criteria for this funding was 1,000 or more births in 2021 and in the county(ies) and at least one of the following:
Combined 2019-2021 infant mortality rate must be 10.2 or higher per 1,000 live births and 20 or more infant deaths
Combined 2019-2021 infant mortality ratio must be 2.6 or higher
Percent of children <5 years of age living in poverty must be 32% or higher (ACS 2017-2021 data) or
Percent of children <19 years of age who are uninsured must be 8.3% or higher (2020 SAHIE)
Although both counties exceeded 1,000 births in 2021, Guilford’s ratio fell just below the 2.6 eligibility threshold. Because Forsyth County was a neighboring county with similar demographics and met the eligibility criterion, Guilford partnered with Forsyth on the grant application.
This work is grounded in a collective impact approach, bringing together community partners, local health departments, and key stakeholders to align efforts, share resources, and drive long-term, meaningful change. The focus is on improving population health outcomes across our communities.
HHS-DPH will manage $313,192 of the total award and will subcontract $201,808 to Forsyth County to support a coordinated regional approach. This structure ensures both counties can implement programming effectively while also building capacity in Forsyth County.
In addition, Guilford County will provide technical assistance based on its experience leading collective impact work through Every Baby Guilford initiative. This collaboration strengthens regional alignment and positions both counties to better address and advance maternal and child health outcomes.
Both Guilford and Forsyth Counties continue to rank among the highest in the state for infant mortality, highlighting the need for a strong, coordinated response.
Guilford County’s portion of the funding will support one ICO4MCH Grant Coordinator, one Community Health Worker, and the program costs needed to carry out these evidence-based strategies.
Overall, this grant supports implementation in both counties and includes pass-through funding to Forsyth County to ensure successful execution of this shared initiative.
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BUDGET IMPACT
budget impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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REQUESTED ACTION
requested action
Approve the Interlocal Agreement with Forsyth County Department of Public Health for the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) initiative for the period of June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, in the amount of $201,808.
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