NEWARK,
Del., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/
-- Delaware First Health, a managed care organization and
wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), today
announced three $5,000 donations,
totaling $15,000, to cover the cost
of credentialing Doulas in Delaware to Do Care Doula Foundation, Black
Mothers in Power and Parent Information Center.
"We recognize the important work doulas provide for the
community and their key role in addressing disparate maternal and
infant health outcomes," said Delaware First Health Plan President
and CEO, Bill Wilson. "This can be
even more powerful when they live and work in the same community as
the clients they serve. Research has shown that doulas can
positively impact birth outcomes. Doula services are one solution
to help address inequities in health care and we are proud to
ensure Delawareans have access to credentialed doulas."
Delaware First Health seeks to remove a barrier for doulas to
get their credentials, so that more expecting mothers can take
advantage of this benefit. Beginning this year, Delaware First
Health provides coverage of doula services that include the
following:
- Three prenatal visits of up to 90 minutes.
- Three postpartum visits of up to 90 minutes.
- Attendance through labor and birth.
Doulas are trained, non-clinical professionals who provide
nurturing environments throughout the pregnancy and post-partum
periods. Studies show that mothers who receive doula care are
less likely to experience complications including premature
delivery, long laboring or the need for cesarean birth.
Doula care can also mitigate birth inequities for communities of
color by prioritizing cultural concordance and advocating for the
needs of mothers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Black women in the United States are three times
more likely to die from complications related to pregnancy and
childbirth than white women. Doulas take a holistic approach to a
healthy pregnancy and empower women to advocate for their
healthcare preferences. Doulas and mothers may also share the same
background, culture, and language, fostering a connection that
allows doulas to intimately understand the needs of their clients
and results in better health care outcomes.
For additional information, please visit
DelawareFirstHealth.com.
About Delaware First Health
On January 1, 2023, Delaware First Health officially
became Delaware's newest Medicaid
Managed Care Organization (MCO), covering approximately 40,000
lives. The new Medicaid plan is excited to partner with the
Department of Health and Social Services, members, providers, and
community stakeholders to improve the health and wellbeing of
Delaware residents. The plan's
focus is ensuring that each member achieves the highest possible
levels of wellness while demonstrating positive clinical results.
Their goal is to build strong community partnerships to support
access to culturally competent care and encourage wholistic care
right where community members live and work. Delaware First Health
is a subsidiary of Centene Corporation.
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SOURCE Delaware First Health