Collaboration supports maternal and infant health in Nevada

Access to adequate resources that support new parents is necessary for the improvement of maternal and infant health outcomes in Nevada. In 2022, 16.3% of individuals who were pregnant in Nevada received inadequate prenatal care, which is defined as care beginning in the fifth month of pregnancy or later or having less than 50% of the recommended visits.¹ Additionally, the maternal mortality rate was 21.7 per 100,000 births, and the preterm birth rate stood at 10.9%. These statistics highlight the need for enhanced support and resources for expecting parents in the state.

To support more equitable access to care and health outcomes, UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid is collaborating with the Nevada Statewide Maternal and Child Health Coalition (NVMCH) to distribute New Mama Care Kits to new parents across Nevada.

The NVMCH supports maternal and child health by advocating for developmental screening, breastfeeding and physical activity. Its mission is to create and maintain a community-based system that collaborates with partners to address maternal and child health issues statewide.

UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid’s support of the care kit initiative has provided the necessary funding to purchase supplies for these kits, which include sanitary pads, wipes, breast pads, sanitizers and other essential items. These kits not only offer physical comfort and hygiene but also alleviate the stress of meeting basic needs during the critical postpartum period, allowing parents to focus on bonding with their newborns. In addition to aftercare supplies, each kit contains a comprehensive resource packet with information from over 30 community partners, offering direct contact details to increase access to education, care and resources.

This initiative aims to:

• Increase the number of families receiving care kits across Nevada
• Expand collaboration with new community partners to distribute the kits
• Ensure that parents have the necessary supplies to support health and well-being during their recovery
• Alleviate the stress of meeting essential needs, allowing parents to focus on bonding with their newborns
• Provide resources on health, feeding, safe sleep practices and child development

UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid has supported the distribution of these care kits over a two-year period. Through this support, NVMCH has distributed 307 kits in Northern Nevada and 1,517 kits in Southern Nevada, for a total of 1,824 kits. In Southern Nevada,  75% of the kits were distributed to people of color, with the goal of closing disparities in access to care and supporting healthy equity.

UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid is dedicated to encouraging healthy starts for families and improving health outcomes in communities across the state. The collaboration with the Nevada Statewide Maternal Health Coalition will equip more families with essential hygiene items and local resources to support their health and well-being.