Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is marking the first anniversary of its expanded Special Beginnings Maternal and Infant Health Initiative. This program aims to enhance maternal and infant health across New Mexico by improving access to quality care, reducing care gaps, and engaging with local communities. The initiative addresses both medical and non-medical factors affecting health outcomes for women, children, and families.
New Mexico faces a higher maternal mortality rate than the national average, with 28 deaths per 100,000 live births, as reported by the March of Dimes. Additionally, about 22.8% of birthing individuals in the state do not receive adequate prenatal care.
The initiative has served over 7,000 people through partnerships with community and clinical organizations specializing in maternal health services. It has also screened nearly 700 preconception and prenatal patients for sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer. Furthermore, 60 healthy babies have been born through labor and delivery community partners associated with the initiative.
Efforts include investing in workforce development for maternal health professionals such as doulas and midwives to address perinatal disparities. Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, VP of healthcare delivery and chief medical officer at BCBSNM said, "This marks an important milestone as we celebrate the first year of our commitment to improving health outcomes for moms and babies in New Mexico." She emphasized BCBSNM's ongoing support for families beginning with maternal care.
BCBSNM acknowledges the significant contributions of its community partners in removing barriers to care from preconception through postpartum stages. These collaborations are essential for creating lasting improvements in maternal and infant health.
The Special Beginnings grantees for 2024/2025 include several organizations such as Changing Woman Initiative, Delfina, Gallup Community Health, Jardin de los Niños, Lovelace Health System (GRACE program), Many Mothers, Perinatal Associates of New Mexico, Postpartum Support International, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, and Vitamin Angels. Each organization plays a crucial role in providing culturally centered healthcare services or addressing specific needs like mental health support or substance use disorders among pregnant women.
For further details on BCBSNM’s initiatives supporting healthcare access in New Mexico, visit their newsroom or review their 2024 Impact Report.
Information from this article can be found here.
