A program developed to decrease the infant mortality rate in Junction City and Geary County will have their grant support continued from the March of Dimes. One part is focused on early prenatal care and increasing access to prenatal care.

The founder of Delivering Change Terrah Stroda said the other part of the grant will focus on a prenatal model that has been initiated in Geary County. “The first prenatal model of its’ kind in the state, we believe in this region.” It focuses on both visits to the provider and community education for the parents during prenatal care visits.

The model was implemented about 18 months ago.

Stroda said officials have seen dramatic increases in the number of women receiving prenatal care sooner, and continued care with improved infant health.