#United States #Florida #Maternal Health #Pacify Health #Community Care Plan

Pacify Health and Community Care Plan Collaborate for Maternal Health Improvement

In a significant move to enhance maternal health support, Pacify Health has announced a strategic collaboration with Community Care Plan (CCP). This partnership aims to address the gaps existing in maternal health services across Florida by providing comprehensive, wraparound care for mothers and families during pregnancy and postpartum.

Pacify Health is renowned for its multimodal maternal health platform, which connects members to both in-person and virtual doula services, as well as 24/7 lactation support. With the addition of CCP's resources, this collaboration will enable more families in need to access specialized maternal health services, particularly in underserved regions. The powerful alliance is expected to reach expectant and postpartum individuals across 19 counties in Florida, providing a crucial lifeline to those requiring additional support.

Tackling Maternal Health Gaps in Florida

The announcement comes at a crucial time. Florida, like many states, is grappling with rising maternal mortality rates. Recent data from the CDC indicates a maternal mortality rate of 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in the U.S. in 2023. Although this is an improvement from 22.3 deaths in 2022, the state of Florida continues to face challenges, reporting a rate averaging 24.1 over recent years. With such alarming statistics, the need for enhanced maternal care has become increasingly urgent.

Incorporating doula support into conventional maternity care has shown promising results in various studies, highlighting significant advantages like:

• - A reduction in cesarean section rates by up to 47%
• - An approximate 46% increase in postpartum check-ups
• - A 29% decrease in preterm birth rates
• - A significant 57.5% reduction in the likelihood of postpartum depression and anxiety

Jennifer Sargent, CEO of Pacify Health, emphasizes the importance of this partnership, stating, “Community Care Plan's dedication to improving maternal health outcomes aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible, evidence-based support throughout the pregnancy journey.”

Expanding Access to Evidence-Based Care

As part of the collaboration, eligible members of CCP will enjoy access to an array of services designed to facilitate a smoother pregnancy and postpartum experience. Features will include:

• - Virtual prenatal consultations with certified doulas
• - Comprehensive birth planning assistance
• - 24/7 on-demand infant feeding support provided by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)
• - Support for postpartum recovery
• - In-person doula services available in select regions
• - A library of educational resources, along with tools for messaging and scheduling that cater to both English and Spanish-speaking families

Research consistently shows that receiving doula care correlates with better birth outcomes. A national study found that individuals who have the support of a doula tend to experience lower cesarean rates and higher breastfeeding initiation, yet only about 6% of births currently involve doula support.

Strengthening Maternal Health in Communities

Dr. Miguel Venereo, SVP and Chief Medical Officer at Community Care Plan, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential, stating, “At Community Care Plan, we are focused on providing best-practice wraparound care to promote healthier families. Our collaboration with Pacify ensures that essential maternal health services reach our members, addressing unique needs during pregnancy and after childbirth.”

With origins dating back to 2000, Community Care Plan operates as a managed care plan serving over 160,000 members across various health programs, driven by the commitment to ensure healthcare access to all communities.

As part of a larger initiative by the Florida Department of Health, which includes the Florida Maternal Mental Health Collaborative, this partnership stands to not only improve maternal health outcomes but also elevate overall community well-being.

Conclusion

This collaborative effort between Pacify Health and Community Care Plan marks a vital step towards improving maternal health services in Florida. By leveraging resources effectively and expanding support to families in need, both organizations are set on a course that promises to enhance the quality of care for mothers and their children, creating healthier beginnings in communities across the state. Possible improvements in maternal health outcomes could lead to significant benefits, reflecting positively on the health of future generations.