#United States #Fort Lauderdale #Maternal Health #Pacify Health #Community Care Plan

Introduction to the Collaborative Effort

In a significant step towards enhancing maternal health services in Florida, Pacify Health, a notable provider of a diversified maternal health platform, has announced a partnership with Community Care Plan (CCP). This collaboration aims to tackle the persistent gaps in maternal health support in the region by providing specialized, wraparound services designed for Community Care Plan members across 19 counties.

Addressing Essential Maternal Health Needs

Maternal health remains a critical issue throughout the United States, and Florida is no exception. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that Florida's maternal mortality rate, which averaged 24.1 per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2022, stresses the urgency for improved maternal care services. By integrating doula support and lactation services, this partnership strives to reduce high mortality rates and improve health outcomes for mothers and their newborns.

Enhanced Services Offered

Through this partnership, CCP members will benefit from the rich resources provided by Pacify Health, which includes:

• - Virtual Prenatal Support: Access to certified doulas offering guidance and support throughout pregnancy.
• - Birth Planning Assistance: Tailored support to help expectant parents prepare for childbirth.
• - 24/7 Lactation Support: Immediate access to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) for infant feeding assistance.
• - Postpartum Recovery Assistance: Care tailored to support new mothers during their recovery.
• - Educational Resources: A comprehensive library of materials to support mothers in both English and Spanish.

This suite of services represents a significant shift towards a more integrated approach to maternal health care, one that prioritizes evidence-based practices to support healthier pregnancies and births.

Impact of Doula Support

Research has consistently highlighted the benefits of doula care, showing that it is associated with improved birth outcomes. A nationwide study found that mothers who received doula support experienced lower rates of cesarean sections and higher initiation rates for breastfeeding. However, it's noteworthy that only about 6% of U.S. births currently involve doula support, indicating a vast opportunity for expansion and enhanced access to care. The partnership between Pacify and CCP aims to change that by providing much-needed support to communities, particularly in regions facing health disparities.

Community Care Plan's Commitment

Dr. Miguel Venereo, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Community Care Plan, reiterated the organization's dedication to improving maternal health outcomes. He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with CCP's existing initiatives, such as the Before Baby Beyond program, which is designed to provide comprehensive care to members during pregnancy and postpartum periods. The commitment to enhance access to crucial services highlights a community-focused approach to health care.

Conclusion

As Florida continues to confront the challenges associated with maternal health care, collaborations like the one between Pacify Health and Community Care Plan will play a vital role in supporting healthier families. By increasing the availability of doula and lactation support services, the partnership aims to mitigate maternal mortality rates and foster healthier beginnings for families across the state. This initiative not only reflects the urgency of addressing healthcare disparities but also underscores the importance of community-driven solutions in creating a healthier future for mothers and their children.