N.C. Public Health, Health and Human Services
DHHS DPH Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section

Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section

Funding opportunities

8/21/26: RFA A426 - Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program

The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section has released RFA A426 – Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program.

Purpose: The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (AP3) is a primary prevention program (i.e., prevention of first pregnancies) that is administered by the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiatives (TPPI) of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section, Reproductive Health Branch. AP3 invests in the future of North Carolina by ensuring that young people across the state have the tools to make healthy, responsible decisions. It provides essential education, supports academic achievement, encourages parent/teen communication, promotes responsible citizenship, and builds the self-confidence of its participants. AP3 is mandated by North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) 130A-131.15A.

Eligibility: For-profit agencies need not apply. Public or private non-profit entities (e.g., schools, local health departments, non-profit community-based organizations) are eligible to apply to this RFA if they meet the following criteria:

  • Entities must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by SAM.gov.
  • Entities must have at least 5 years of experience delivering youth programs in North Carolina, not limited to previous NCDHHS funding.
  • Applications are desired from all 100 counties, however those ranking in the top quartile (i.e., the top 25) for fertility rates among females aged 15 to 19 based on a five-year average between 2020-2024 (referred to as “priority counties”) will receive priority.
    • The priority counties are as follows: Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Duplin, Edgecombe, Graham, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Northampton, Onslow, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Swain, Tyrrell, Vance, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilkes. Applicants in these counties shall receive a demonstrated need score as described in the RFA.

Entities that currently receive primary prevention funding for teen pregnancy prevention from NCDHHS may not apply to implement an additional primary pregnancy prevention program in the same county they currently serve but may propose a new program in a different county.

Potential applicants should consider whether their agency has the capacity to administer the state grant funds if awarded. Recipients of state funds are expected to have established in writing certain general agency policies including personnel and financial accounting policies. Funds to grantees will be dispersed on a cost reimbursement basis only and agencies should carefully consider if they have the capacity to implement the program under this system.

How to Apply: The RFA will be posted on the Program’s website (www.teenpregnancy.ncdhhs.gov/funding.htm) on August 21, 2026.

A representative of the applicant agency is encouraged to participate in an applicant’s conference, which will be held on September 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Zoom (Meeting ID: 165 907 7460; Passcode: 437121).

Potential applicants are also encouraged to submit an optional Notice of Intent no later than September 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. by completing the survey found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AP3-RFA-NOI

Email all applications electronically to: tppi-rfa@dhhs.nc.gov

Deadline for Submission: October 9, 2026

How to Obtain Further Information: Inquires about this RFA are to be sent to tppi-rfa@dhhs.nc.gov, and may be directed to the following Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiatives staff:

Deborah Hamlin-Aggrey, Program Consultant, Deborah.hamlinaggrey@dhhs.nc.gov

Sarah Hoffert, Program Consultant, Sarah.hoffert@dhhs.nc.gov

Nancy Warren, TPPI Team Lead, Nancy.warren@dhhs.nc.gov

Application Process Summary Dates

08/21/2026:  Request for Applications released to eligible applicants. 

09/01/2026:  Applicant’s Conference. 

09/09/2026:  Optional Notice of Intent due.  

09/09/2026:  End of Q&A period.  All questions due in writing by 5pm. 

09/16/2026:  Answers to Questions posted as an addendum to the RFA. 

10/09/2026:  Applications due by 5pm. 

11/20/2026:  Successful applicants will be notified. 

06/01/2027:  Estimated Contract Start Date. 

9/14/26: RFA A427 – Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities

The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section has released a Request for Applications (RFA) #A427 – Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities (RIMC).

Eligibility: All local health departments (LHDs) are eligible to apply to this RFA. The RIMC program aims to impact the reduction of infant mortality within the communities where services are provided. LHDs serving counties who rank in the top quartile (i.e. the top 25) for infant mortality rates and infant mortality disparity ratios will receive a demonstrated need score.

How to Apply: The Request for Applications (RFA) will be released on Monday, September 14, 2026.  Specific details on submitting applications for consideration will be included in the RFA.

The RFA may be downloaded from the NC Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section’s website beginning September 14, 2026 at https://wicws.dph.ncdhhs.gov/.

All prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Applicant Teleconference on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. The link to attend the Applicant Teleconference is: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1655680795?pwd=hZ6vazSYyUIrCfCLfoNTvqsd00bcDk.1 

All prospective applicants may submit an optional non-binding notice of intent no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, October 9, 2026. The link to complete the notice of intent is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RFAA427NOI.

All prospective applicants are encouraged to submit questions regarding the RFA by email to renee.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov until 5:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Deadline for Submission: 5:00 pm on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Request for Application Schedule:
09/14/2026 RFA released and consultation period begins.
09/24/2026 Applicant Teleconference - 10:00 am - 11:00 am.
10/09/2026 Notice of Intent (optional) due by 5:00 pm.
10/09/2026 RFA consultation period ends. All questions due by email by 5:00 pm.
10/15/2026 Question and answer addendum released.
10/26/2026 Application deadline at 5:00 pm.
11/20/2026 Successful applicants will be notified.

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFA to: Renee D. Jackson, RIMC Program Manager  renee.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov.

9/17/26: RFA A425 – Supporting Women’s Health Services

The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section has released a Request for Applications (RFA) #A425 – Supporting Women’s Health Services (SWHS).

Local health departments (LHDs) and nonprofit community health centers are eligible to apply to this RFA.

  • Nonprofit community health centers can apply for funds for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) for underserved, uninsured, or medically indigent patients.
  • LHDs can apply for funds to increase access to contraceptives as well as to improve maternal and infant health.
  • For-profit agencies are not eligible to apply.

Agencies must be able to receive North Carolina State funding. Recipients of state funds are expected to have established in writing certain general agency policies including personnel and financial accounting policies. Funds to grantees will be dispersed on a cost reimbursement basis only and agencies should carefully consider if they have the capacity to implement the program under this system.

How to Apply

The Request for Applications (RFA) will be released on Thursday, September 17, 2026.   Specific details on submitting applications for consideration will be included in the RFA.

The RFA may be downloaded from the NC Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section’s website beginning September 17, 2026 at https://wicws.dph.ncdhhs.gov/ .

All prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Applicant Teleconference on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. The link to attend the Applicant Teleconference is: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/BBTPHamrQ02eEdR0rcVxSw .

All prospective applicants may submit an optional non-binding notice of intent no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, October 2, 2026 to the email address listed on this RFA cover page.

All prospective applicants are encouraged to submit questions regarding the RFA by email to juanella.tyler@dhhs.nc.gov until 5:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Deadline for Submission: 5:00 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Request for Application Schedule:
09/17/2026: Request for Applications released to eligible applicants.
09/25/2026: Bidder’s Conference / Teleconference.
10/02/2026: Notice of Intent due.
10/09/2026: End of Q&A period.  All questions due in writing by 5pm.
10/16/2026: Answers to Questions posted as an addendum to the RFA.
10/30/2026: Applications are due by 5pm.
11/18/2026: Successful applicants will be notified.
06/01/2027: Estimated Contract Start Date.

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFA to :
General RFA Questions or Reproductive Health Questions: Juanella Tyler, juanella.tyler@dhhs.nc.gov
Maternal Health Questions: Danielle Bishop, danielle.bishop@dhhs.nc.gov

9/22/26: RFA A428 – Family Planning Services

The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section has released a Request for Applications (RFA) #A428 – Family Planning Services

Eligibility

Public/governmental or private non-profit agencies interested in assisting individuals in planning or preventing pregnancy, that have the clinical capability, are eligible to apply to this RFA. This includes local health departments, federally qualified health centers, community health centers, and other non-profit clinical entities.

Governmental or non-profit entities are eligible to apply to this RFA if they meet the following criteria:

  • Entities must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by SAM.gov.
  • Entities must have at least 5 years of experience delivering clinical programs.
  • Entities must not receive Title X funding directly from the federal government.

How to Apply

The Request for Applications (RFA) will be released on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.  Specific details on submitting applications for consideration will be included in the RFA.

The RFA may be downloaded from the NC Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section’s website beginning September 22, 2026 at https://wicws.dph.ncdhhs.gov/.

All prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an Applicant Conference webinar on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1657951115.

All prospective applicants may submit an optional non-binding notice of intent no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 using this link: https://forms.office.com/g/MtSS3BbCFF

All prospective applicants are encouraged to submit questions regarding the RFA by email to kristen.carroll@dhhs.nc.gov until 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Deadline for Submission: 5:00 pm on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Request for Application Schedule:
09/22/2026: Request for Applications released to eligible applicants.
09/30/2026: Bidder’s Conference / Teleconference.
10/07/2026: Notice of Intent due.
10/15/2026: End of Q&A period.  All questions due in writing by 5pm.
10/22/2026: Answers to Questions posted as an addendum to the RFA.
11/06/2026: Applications are due by 5pm.
11/30/2026: Successful applicants will be notified.
06/01/2027: Estimated Contract Start Date.

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFA to Kristen Carroll, Kristen.carroll@dhhs.nc.gov

9/30/26: RFA A430 – Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health

The North Carolina Division of Public Health-Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section has released the Request for Applications (RFA) #A430 Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health Program.

The Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) Program was established in 2015 to provide a competitive grants process among local health departments (LHDs) to award funding to improve birth outcomes, reduce infant mortality, and improve health among children aged 0-5. Grants will be awarded for a three-year period and will be administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health-Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section-Infant and Community Health Branch, in collaboration with the Division of Child and Family Well-Being.

Eligibility:

Only Local Health Departments and Districts are eligible to apply to this RFA if they meet the criteria outlined below. DPH encourages and will accept applications from single or multi-county local health departments (LHDs) that meet eligibility criteria. For a multi-county application that includes different local health departments/districts, one county must take the lead in submitting the application and be responsible for ensuring completion and compliance with all required deliverables and reporting requirements outlined under this RFA.

Eligibility criteria are:

1,000 or more births in 2024 in the county or counties that the single or multi-county local health departments will implement the selected evidence-based strategies (EBS) in AND

At least ONE of the following:

  • Combined 2022-2024 infant mortality rate must be 10.1 or higher per 1,000 live births and 20 or more infant deaths
  • Combined 2022-2024 infant mortality disparity ratio must be 2.0 or higher
  • Percent of children <5 years of age living in poverty must be 28.4% or higher (ACS 2020-2024 data) or
  • Percent of children <19 years of age who are uninsured must be 8.0% or higher (2023 SAHIE)

    LHDs should determine their eligibility, either as a single county or multi-county project, by assessing the data above using the tool attached to this email.

How to Apply:

The Request for Applications (RFA) has been released today Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Specific details on the application and submission process are documented in the RFA.
All prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an Applicants Webinar on October 9, 2026 beginning at 10:00 am. Please click on the Zoom link to participate: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1651112905#success Meeting ID: 165 111 2905

As an addendum to this RFA, a summary of all questions and answers asked in the Conference will be posted on 10/21/2026 at 5:00 p.m. on the following website: https://wicws.dph.ncdhhs.gov/.

Notice of Intent
Any entity that plans to submit an application shall submit a Notice of Intent no later than 5:00 p.m. on 10/14/2026 to the email address listed on this RFA cover page. Please include the following information in the Notice of Intent:

  • The legal name of the entity.
  • The name, title, phone number, mailing address, and email address of the person who will coordinate the application submission.

Application Process Summary Dates:

09/30/2026: Request for Applications released to eligible applicants
10/09/2026: Applicants Webinar
10/14/2026: Notice of Intent due
10/14/2026: End of Q&A period. All questions due in writing by 5pm.
10/21/2026: Answers to Questions posted as an addendum to the RFA
11/06/2026: Applications due by 5pm
11/25/2026: Successful applicants will be notified
06/01/2027: Estimated Contract Start Date

All questions regarding the RFA can be directed to: Shelby.Weeks@dhhs.nc.gov


News and Highlights

Maternal Mortality among Non-Hispanic Black Women in NC 4/13/26

NC Maternal Mental Health MATTERS Provider Resource 09/30/25

2018 - 2020 North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Committee Report 08/27/25

2018 - 2020 NC Maternal Mortality Review Report One-Page Fact Sheet 08/27/25

2018 - 2020 NC Maternal Mortality Review Report Maternal Overdose Deaths One-Page Fact Sheet 02/03/26

NC Doula Landscape Analysis and Summit Report 2023

COVID-19 Vaccines Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility: What You Need to Know

COVID-19 and Pregnancy

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    Perinatal Health Strategic Plan
    New

    NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026

     

    The NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan (PHSP) serves as a statewide guide to improve maternal and infant health and the health of all people of reproductive age. The plan's primary focus is increasing health equity, which is the opportunity for every person to have good health regardless of social and economic factors. The first PHSP began implementation in 2016, and the state continues to strive to achieve perinatal health equity. This plan, created for 2022-2026, seeks to address both the challenges of structural racism and of the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on the drivers of health. Please visit and share our updated website with your friends, community partners, and agencies . 04/25/23

    The NC Division of Public Health (DPH) brought together more than 100 stakeholders from across the state, currently known as the Perinatal Health Equity Collective, to develop this revised plan (PDF, 11 MB) and will continue to work with public, nonprofit, and private partners along with individuals with lived experiences to implement the plan and assess progress. To get involved or to ask questions, send us an email.

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    Plan of Safe Care (POSC)

    Plan of Safe Care

    09/11/18: A federal mandate went into effect on July 31, 2017 that requires health care providers involved in delivery and care of infants in North Carolina (and all states) to notify child welfare when an infant is identified by a medical provider

    as being affected by:

    • Mom’s untreated substance use disorder

    or having:

    • Withdrawal signs and symptoms
    • Signs of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
    • A positive urine, meconium, or umbilical cord segment substance test with provider concerns.

    This law also requires that a Plan of Safe Care (POSC) is developed for these infants. The POSC English (PDF, 2 MB) and Spanish (PDF, 2 MB) pamphlets provide basic information for patients regarding how and why a Plan of Safe Care is created. Agencies should download the brochures as needed.

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    NC Maternal Mortality Review Committee

    Legislation was enacted by the NC General Assembly in December 2015 to establish the NC Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC). The MMRC is charged with reviewing all maternal deaths in the state to determine if pregnancy related or pregnancy associated.

    The MMRC also has the responsibility to make recommendations for improvement. The DHHS was awarded a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant to support the work of the MMRC in late 2019. This is the first report (PDF, 7.3 MB) of the MMRC based on data from 2014-2016.

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Quick Links

NC Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Application (PDF) 09/04/24

OPA Family Planning Clinic Locator - Click the locator link to find a Title X Family Planning Clinic near you and call to make your appointment!

Women’s Preventive Health Services Covered By The Affordable Care Act (ACA) - Preventive Health Services for Women

North Carolina Medical Center Resources - High-Risk Prenatal Care Resource List (PDF, 23 KB)

Trainings

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What We Do

The Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section develops and promotes programs and services that protect the health and well-being of infants and of women during their child-bearing years. The goal is to improve the overall health of women, reduce infant sickness and death, and strengthen families and communities.

The Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section also offers guidance, consultation and training for professionals who provide women's health services.

Local health departments and other community agencies serving each of the 100 counties in North Carolina provide a variety of these women's health services, including family planning, prenatal care, flu shots and other women's immunizations, and pregnancy care management. For more information on the services near you, contact your local health department.

The Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section is part of the North Carolina Division of Public Health.


Learn More: Services

Related Sites/Information

Contact

Mailing Address

Women, Infant and Community Wellness Section
1929 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1929
Courier Number: 56-23-01

Physical Address

1915 Health Services Way
Raleigh, NC 27607

Telephone

Main: (919) 707-5700
Fax: (919) 870-4827

Additional Contact Details

Last Modified: 09-30-2026