HRSA’s MCHB DHSPS launches the Healthy Start program as a presidential initiative. Healthy Start aims to reduce infant mortality by 50% in 5 years. 15 sites with infant mortality rates 1.5 to 2.5 times the national average are selected as demonstration projects. The sites are funded to be innovative, community-based, community-driven projects tasked with reducing infant mortality and improving the health and well-being of women, infants, and their families. A hallmark of Healthy Start, which continues today, is the requirement of a Community Consortium (previously called Community Action Network) where community voices are lifted.