Northern Nevada HOPES, a community health center serving Reno-Sparks, has announced plans to launch a comprehensive maternal health program in July for pregnant women who engage in substance use. The initiative is funded by a $708,092 donation from UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid.
“Currently, in most of Nevada, when you have a woman who is pregnant, and they have an opioid use disorder, they have to navigate multiple appointments to multiple offices for their care,” said Teresita Espana, prenatal care program coordinator at HOPES.
She said the program will function as a “medical home,” eliminating the need for patients to travel to multiple locations for different services such as prenatal care, postpartum support, behavioral health services and pediatric care.
The program will also emphasize community building through cohort-based appointments, where patients meet with peers who are in similar stages of pregnancy.
Espana noted that the stress and responsibility of new motherhood can increase the relapse risk. A National Library of Medicine article says this is due to multiple factors, including sleep deprivation, postpartum depression and anxiety, and lack of social support.
“People who experience addiction need fewer barriers and more social support,” said Dr. Chelsea Travers, a doctor from HOPES, via email. “By providing compassionate, evidence-based care, we help ensure that our patients begin their parenting journey with stability, dignity and the support they deserve.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations. The new program aims to address this by providing access to care for preventable conditions like gestational diabetes, preterm labor and preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure).
“Our partnership with UnitedHealthcare is vital in expanding life-saving maternal care,” said Dr. Faith Whittier, HOPES’ chief medical officer, in a press release. “As our country faces higher rates of maternal and infant risks, we’re thrilled to deliver this support to those who need it most.”
To learn more or become a patient, call 775-786-4673 or visit nnhopes.org.