ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico announced the second anniversary of its expanded Special Beginnings® Maternal and Infant Health Initiative, highlighting investments and partnerships supporting healthier outcomes for moms and babies statewide. The initiative aims to improve the health of moms and babies with increasing focus on access to quality care, reducing resource and care gaps and supporting families across the state.
Maternal health remains a critical issues as New Mexico ranks 21th in the United States for preterm births. According to the 2025 March of Dimes report, the state's maternal mortality rate stands at 28.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, higher than the national average, while 23.1% of women lack adequate access to prenatal care.
"As we celebrate another year of the initiative, we are proud of the impact we've made through our partnerships," said Dr. Angela Moemeka, chief medical officer for government programs at BCBSNM. "Our commitment continues as we help moms, babies and families access the care, resources and services they need to achieve healthier outcomes."
Since expanding in 2024, the initiative has strengthened maternal health resources and services statewide, including:
- Serving more than 14,200 people through community and clinical partners specializing in maternal health services.
- Screening for nearly 4,900 for sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer among preconception and prenatal patients.
- Helping program partners deliver more than 85 healthy babies.
The initiative is helping address maternal health challenges statewide through sustained investment and collaboration. Learn more about BCBSNM’s impact in its 2025 Maternal and Infant Health Impact Report.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.