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HCSC Brings Expanded Maternal and Infant Health Initiative to New Mexico
Nov. 25, 2024
CHICAGO — Health Care Service Corporation is now bringing additional support and resources to help improve the health of moms, babies, and families in New Mexico. HCSC launched its expanded Maternal and Health Initiative in New Mexico on Oct. 29, 2024. The initiative focuses on helping women and families through pregnancy planning, childbirth and beyond.
The New Mexico initiative will leverage the knowledge, experience and talents of community organizations and participating clinicians to help support healthier communities. It will prioritize:
- Promoting enhanced quality in birthing locations across the state, with a focus on health equity.
- Providing resources to community-based organizations that address the social determinants of health.
- Supporting the expansion of the maternal health workforce including doulas and midwives and services including behavioral health to reduce perinatal disparities
“We are committed to helping reduce the number of preventable pregnancy related deaths, and providing the resources and support that women need throughout their reproductive journey, from preconception to postpartum,” said Yolanda Lawson, MD, Executive Medical Director, Maternal and Infant Health at HCSC. “In New Mexico, we are bringing community, clinical, and technology partners together to help implement hands-on change in the health and lives of women and their families, by increasing access to quality health services including mental health and social support."
New Mexico is the third state where HCSC has launched the expanded Maternal and Infant Health Initiative. The program kicked off in Texas in August 2023, followed by Illinois in October of this year.
In the first year, the Initiative served over 70,000 Texans, with 2,700 healthy babies being born to women who engaged with the program. More than 14,000 prenatal vitamin bottles were distributed to community partners to share with the women they serve, and almost 40,000 women were screened for sexually transmitted infections, which can affect fertility and possibly harm the unborn child, if not treated.
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About Health Care Service Corporation
Health Care Service Corporation serves more than 23 million people across the United States through its portfolio of health benefit solutions. HCSC provides health coverage options for employers large and small, individuals and families, and Medicare and Medicaid plans. HCSC also offers related health care products and services such as pharmacy solutions, life and dental insurance, and health data technology.