In October 2024, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico launched an expanded Special Beginnings® initiative to address health disparities among New Mexico moms and babies, particularly those related to preterm births, gestational diabetes and low birth weight among newborns.
The initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to mothers and families throughout pregnancy and early motherhood. With a focus on health equity, BCBSNM collaborated with 10 community and clinical organizations to improve health outcomes for underserved populations in rural and urban settings.
One Special Beginnings grantee, Changing Woman Initiative, offers culturally integrated health care tailored to the needs of Indigenous families. CWI’s approach aims to improve maternal health outcomes and foster community engagement through parenting circles, direct services and workshops for partners and fathers.
CWI’s reproductive wellness and birth center offers services for Indigenous mothers, including preventive health screenings, nutritional workshops and traditional medicine. These offerings embrace holistic wellness by integrating mental health and emotional support with physical care. Through programs like Parenting Circles, midwives and doulas facilitate discussions about childbirth, breastfeeding and family roles, enhancing the experience for mothers and their families.
"At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, we believe that every mother deserves the best care and every child deserves the best start in life," says Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, BCBSNM vice president of health care delivery and chief medical officer.
"Our expanded Special Beginnings initiative is a testament to our commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting New Mexico families, especially those in underserved communities, to access the services and resources they need during pregnancy and early motherhood," Shankar said. "By collaborating with organizations like Changing Woman Initiative, we aim to not only improve health outcomes but also foster community connections that nurture lasting wellness for generations to come."
