The Greenfield Community College Foundation has been awarded a two-year grant to support new workforce training aimed at improving perinatal health equity in Massachusetts.

The $110,000 award is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation Perinatal Health Initiative, a statewide effort focused on addressing racial and geographic disparities in prenatal and postpartum care through community-based solutions.

Specifically, the grant will support the planning and development of new training pathways for certified professional midwives—an area of growing need in Massachusetts, particularly in rural and underserved communities. GCC was selected from a highly competitive pool of nearly 80 applicants.

“This funding allows the GCC Foundation to support innovative workforce training that responds directly to regional needs,” said Executive Director of the GCC Foundation Alexis Page.

GCC Dean of Workforce Development Alexandra Carley adds, “We’re thrilled to contribute to strengthening pathways into perinatal care professions, helping to address workforce shortages and advancing more equitable health outcomes for families in Massachusetts.”

The program is currently in the planning stages, with additional details and a launch timeline to be announced as development progresses.