#United States #New York #CVS Health #Maternal Health #Diabetes Association

CVS Health Foundation's Generous Grant for Maternal Health

In a significant move to improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and their babies, the CVS Health Foundation announced a generous grant of $2.6 million to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). This funding aims to expand maternal health initiatives to two additional communities in New York City, building on the success of an existing program that has proven effective over the past 18 months.

Proven Results from the Initiative

The initial phase of the program focused on enhancing gestational diabetes (GDM) screening and providing care coordination at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn. This center has become a pivotal location for diabetes management, especially for expectant mothers. Over 20% of their patients are living with diabetes, and the initiative has seen improved health outcomes, significantly benefiting families in the area.

Jenny McColloch, President of the CVS Health Foundation, emphasized the importance of this continued partnership: "Our collaboration with the ADA has yielded immense results for families in New York. That’s why we’re investing further to broaden our reach and enhance maternal and neonatal health in these communities."

Addressing a Rising Health Concern

Gestational diabetes is a pressing issue, affecting up to 9% of pregnancies across the United States. Rates in New York City increased from 6% in 2016 to 8.3% in 2021, indicating a growing health crisis. In specific neighborhoods like Bushwick, the statistics are alarming: 19% of adults have diabetes, and hospitalizations related to avoidable conditions are 70% above the city's average.

Dr. Osagie Ebekozien, chief quality officer at the ADA, stated, "Everyone living with diabetes deserves access to high-quality care. This collaboration has unlocked new opportunities for women suffering from gestational diabetes, fostering a pathway to improved maternal health services and diabetes management."

Enhancing Care Programs

The expanded initiative will introduce enhancements such as:

• - New Sites: Two additional NYC locations will be incorporated, allowing for more families to receive prenatal and postpartum care tailored to their unique health challenges.
• - Electronic Medical Records (EMR): A significant upgrade will streamline referrals among healthcare providers, facilitating seamless transitions and improved communication between obstetricians, primary care providers, and endocrinologists.
• - Advanced Diabetes Technologies: Patients will benefit from improved access to continuous glucose monitoring devices, which are vital for effective diabetes management.
• - Nutrition Support: The provision of medically tailored meals will address food insecurity and improve nutritional outcomes for patients.
• - Multilingual Education: Ensuring that education materials are accessible in multiple languages will empower both patients and community health workers, further supporting healthy pregnancies.

Real Stories, Real Impact

One participant, C.H., a first-time mother diagnosed early with gestational diabetes, shared her journey: "Initially, I was overwhelmed and unsure about what my diagnosis meant. The support I received through this program provided me with the confidence and knowledge to take control of my health and ensure the well-being of my baby."

A Legacy of Commitment

The CVS Health Foundation has made significant commitments to address various health issues across the United States, including mental health, chronic conditions, and now, maternal health. Their partnership with the ADA marks a continuation of efforts dedicated to community well-being.

The American Diabetes Association, celebrating 85 years of advocacy and program development, remains at the forefront of fighting diabetes, working tirelessly to ensure that those affected receive the care and support they require.

As both organizations embark on this next phase, they aim to create a sustainable model that not only addresses current health challenges but also lays the groundwork for future cohorts of mothers and their families to thrive in New York City.

For ongoing updates and more information on diabetes management and maternal health programs, please visit diabetes.org.