CLOSING THE GAP ONE BIRTH AT A TIME
Initiative
Action Items
The Act tells the Oregon Health Authority to give money to an OHSU group that works to improve maternal and newborn health. It also requires the authority and a coordinated care organization to pay for peer support specialists and certain hospital services.
The Act improves access to maternal health care. It creates a program for culturally specific perinatal services, expands insurance coverage for doulas and lactation support, and ensures doula pay matches Washington’s rates.
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The Act creates a task force to study and improve Oregon’s perinatal workforce. The group must report its findings by December 1, 2026, and will end on December 31, 2026. The Act takes effect 91 days after the session ends.
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The Act raises the child tax credit amount and income limits. It applies to tax years starting January 1, 2026, and takes effect 91 days after the session ends.
The Act requires the Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations to improve maternal and infant health. It sets new contract rules, promotes partnerships with Early Learning Hubs, and requires funding for maternal and early childhood care. It also sets health equity goals and extends contracts to 10 years with a review at five years. The Act takes effect 91 days after the session ends.
The Act requires Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to create a pilot program aimed at providing stable housing for pregnant individuals and their immediate families. This program is designed to address housing insecurity among expectant parents, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to live during pregnancy and beyond.
The Act directs money from the General Fund to various Early Learning Hubs and organizations to support child development during the first 1,000 days of life (from conception to age two) in multiple counties. This includes over $11 million for programs in Umatilla, Union, Morrow, Yamhill, Marion, Polk, Lane, Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties. Additionally, $273,000 will go to the Women’s Foundation of Oregon
