#United States #Austin #Texas Health #Driscoll Health Plan #Nurture Program

Spotlight on Driscoll Health Plan's Nurture Program

The Nurture Program by Driscoll Health Plan has emerged as a pioneering initiative aimed at assisting pregnant women in South Texas, a region grappling with alarmingly high rates of gestational diabetes, which are 2.5 times the national average. This condition is notorious for causing complications that affect both mothers and infants, including serious risks like preeclampsia, hypertension, and higher rates of cesarean deliveries.

A Focus on Nutrition

In 2021, the Driscoll Health Plan took a significant step by launching this program, collaborating with Factor Health at Dell Medical School, UT Austin, and the Episcopal Health Foundation. Unlike traditional meal delivery programs that often utilize a one-size-fits-all approach, the Nurture Program is a patient-centered intervention designed to tackle food insecurity and enhance nutrition among pregnant women. It empowers participants by giving them choices, as they receive grocery gift cards, personal nutrition consultations, and support from community health workers (CHWs).

The program's appeal is evident; a remarkable 99% of women reached about the program enrolled in it. Moreover, 89% attended at least one nutrition consultation and most engaged in two or more sessions. Participants utilized 86% of the grocery gift cards provided, averaging an impressive $234 in support per individual.

Notable Outcomes

The results from the Nurture Program are compelling. When comparing the outcomes of participants to those of non-participants, the data reflects significant improvements:

• - Higher Rates of Vaginal Delivery: A critical measure of success, the program participants recorded 56% vaginal deliveries compared to 49.5% in the control group, helping reduce unnecessary cesarean sections, which carry greater risks.
• - Decreased Preterm Births: The incidence of preterm births among participants was 13%, in contrast to 17% for non-participants.
• - Shorter Newborn Hospital Stays: Babies born to mothers in the program averaged 3.7 days in the hospital, compared to 4.6 days for others.

Dr. Karl Serrao, Chief Medical Officer at Driscoll Health Plan, noted, "The Nurture Program showed that through support and providing choice, it empowered and motivated pregnant women to eat healthier. It also equipped them with the knowledge and skills to improve their families’ health."

Building Relationships

A distinctive facet of the Nurture Program is its relational model, which emphasizes developing genuine connections with pregnant women. Understanding and caring for the individual as a whole person, while respecting their choices and addressing the factors that extend beyond medical aspects of health, is fundamental.

While the Nurture Program is just one element of the comprehensive services offered by Driscoll Health Plan—whose community investment totaled over $530,000 in 2024—the real impact lies in the transformations seen in countless lives. It embodies the core mission of community health plans: redefining healthcare not merely as a response to illness but as a proactive approach focused on prevention and the empowerment of families. The program reinforces the idea that "food is medicine"—and evidence from its outcomes supports this notion.

Conclusion

Driscoll Health Plan is paving the way for a more robust and health-oriented community through innovative strategies like the Nurture Program. It’s a testament to the potential of community health initiatives in fostering healthier households and communities, proving that when local health plans come together to support families, they can truly change lives for the better.