Program Purpose
The IMPLICIT: Innovations for Maternal and Perinatal Care and Improvement Grant supports implementation of the IMPLICIT Interconception Care (ICC) Model, an evidence-based approach that integrates maternal health screening and referral services into routine pediatric well-child visits. This model addresses modifiable risk factors including tobacco use, maternal depression, family planning needs, and folic acid intake by leveraging the point of contact when mothers bring their children for care, to improve health outcomes for women, infants, and families across Minnesota.
Goals and Objectives
The overarching goal of the IMPLICIT grant is to:
- Improve maternal health and prevent birth defects by embedding interconception care into standard pediatric care delivery.
- Support clinical system changes that enable routine screening, coaching, and referral services for birthing parents during well-child visits.
- Advance equitable care by ensuring practices are inclusive and effectively serve diverse populations experiencing health disparities.
What Is the IMPLICIT ICC Model?
The IMPLICIT (Innovations for Maternal and Perinatal Care Improvement) Interconception Care Model is a proven quality improvement framework developed by the Family Medicine Education Consortium and the IMPLICIT Network. It:
- Screens mothers for key health risk factors during well-child visits from birth through 24 months.
- Encourages brief interventions and referrals based on needs identified through screening.
- Uses continuous quality improvement techniques to tailor implementation to clinic workflows. (March of Dimes)
This approach has been associated with successful identification and intervention on modifiable maternal risk factors that can influence future pregnancy outcomes. (JABFM)
Eligible Clinics
The following Minnesota-based clinics are eligible to participate in the IMPLICIT Grant Program:
- Family Medicine clinics providing pediatric well-child visits
- Pediatric clinics serving infants and young children
Funding and Award Information
- Financial Award per clinic: $15,000
- Grant Duration: anticipated start February 23, 2026 – end June, 2028)
- Number of Awards: 5
Funding supports training, technical assistance, data reporting, and collaboration with the IMPLICIT Network.
Application Timeline
Key dates include:
- Application Release: December 30, 2025
- Informational Webinar: January 13, 2026
- Webinar registration: January 13, 2026
- Webinar replay
- Application Deadline: Open
- Grant Start Date (anticipated): March 2, 2026
Expectations of Participating Clinics
Clinics selected to participate in the IMPLICIT Grant Program are expected to:
- Implement the IMPLICIT Interconception Care Model within routine well-child visits, integrating maternal health screening and referral workflows into clinical practice.
- Conduct standardized screenings for key interconception risk factors, including tobacco use, maternal depression, family planning needs, and folic acid intake.
- Provide brief counseling and referrals based on screening results, connecting mothers to appropriate internal or community-based services.
- Participate in required training, technical assistance, and learning sessions to support successful implementation of the IMPLICIT toolkit.
- Engage in ongoing quality improvement activities, including data collection, review, and reporting as required by the program.
- Collaborate with other clinics in the cohort by participating in peer learning opportunities and sharing implementation insights and best practices.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete proposal through by the specified deadline. Required documents include:
Contact Information
For questions regarding the grant or application process, contact WellShare IMPLICIT program at: implicitprogram@wellshareinternational.org
Please submit any questions by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 9.