United Health Foundation Donates $750,000 to Support Maternal Health Needs of Georgia Amid COVID-19 Pandemic - Seite 2

The $750,000 donation to Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia will enable increased virtual perinatal case management for pregnant and postpartum women in rural and underserved areas of Georgia, including biweekly check-ins, educational sessions and online gamification of services for clients via their web-based platform, Pickles & Ice Cream Georgia (www.picklesandicecreamga.org).

A portion of the funds will be used for workforce development to increase the number of perinatal support professionals in underserved areas of the state. Regional maternal mental health support groups will also provide additional training, outreach and screenings for mothers and fathers in the perinatal period. And supplies will be provided directly to families experiencing high need due to COVID-19 and related instabilities, including diapers, other baby items, gift cards and postpartum care kits across the organization’s programs.

“We are seeing women avoid needed care due to fear of exposure to COVID-19, as well as increased rates of anxiety, isolation and mental health concerns for pregnant and postpartum families,” said Elise Blasingame, executive director, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. “We are grateful to the United Health Foundation for prioritizing funding for this important need and partnering with us to support expectant and new mothers throughout Georgia.”

UnitedHealth Group is committed to improving the health of mothers and newborns, raising awareness for improved maternal health, and reducing the occurrence of avoidable maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. UnitedHealthcare’s Healthy Pregnancy and Maternity Support programs provide resources and services to help expectant mothers get the most out of their benefits, make informed decisions, and promote dialogue with care providers. The company is also actively addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes education in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morehouse School of Medicine and the March of Dimes.

To date, UnitedHealth Group has donated more than $100 million to support impacted communities including health care workers, hard-hit states and localities, seniors and those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Previously announced grants to increase capacity in Georgia to fight COVID-19 include $100,000 to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and $100,000 to Families First in Atlanta to provide mental health services.