UnitedHealthcare Invests $700K to Address Maternal Mortality in Nevada
In a groundbreaking initiative to combat the high maternal mortality rate in the U.S., UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid has donated over $700,000 to Northern Nevada HOPES (NNH) for a new perinatal care program. Announced at a recent event, this program aims to support women with histories of addiction, particularly those struggling with substance and opioid abuse, to ensure safer pregnancies.
The clinic will enhance access to vital maternal and infant health services, including prenatal, postpartum, behavioral health, and pediatric care. Dr. Chelsea Travers emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive support, noting that creating a community for mothers can alleviate the burdens of navigating multiple healthcare needs.
Lisa Mantkus, a registered nurse and quality manager with UnitedHealthcare, highlighted the urgent need for better maternal care in the Reno area, acknowledging the region as a "maternal desert." The focus is on reducing prematurity rates and improving health outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Local resident Velvet Beaman shared her poignant story of receiving essential care from NNH during her own struggles with addiction, stressing that such programs are vital for saving lives. The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing maternal health in Nevada.
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