Meridian and Mae Collaborate to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes and Reduce Disparities

**Meridian and Mae Collaborate to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes and Reduce Disparities**

In an era where healthcare disparities continue to affect vulnerable populations, improving maternal health outcomes has become a critical priority. Recognizing the urgent need to address inequities in maternal care, Meridian, a leading healthcare provider, and Mae, a digital health platform focused on maternal health, have joined forces to create a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and reducing disparities, particularly for women of color and underserved communities.

### The Maternal Health Crisis: A Growing Concern

The United States faces a maternal health crisis, with maternal mortality rates significantly higher than in other developed nations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 700 women die each year in the U.S. due to pregnancy-related complications, and Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This alarming statistic highlights the deep-rooted disparities that exist in maternal healthcare.

Several factors contribute to these disparities, including socioeconomic status, access to quality healthcare, implicit bias in medical settings, and underlying health conditions. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that combines technology, community engagement, and culturally competent care.

### Meridian and Mae: A Strategic Partnership

Meridian, a leading managed care organization that provides Medicaid and Medicare services, and Mae, a digital health platform designed to support expectant mothers, have come together to tackle these issues head-on. Both organizations share a common goal: to improve maternal health outcomes and ensure that all women, regardless of race or socioeconomic background, receive the care they need during pregnancy and postpartum.

**Meridian’s Role in the Partnership**

Meridian has a long-standing commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to underserved populations. As part of its Medicaid and Medicare programs, Meridian offers comprehensive maternal health services, including prenatal care, postpartum care, and access to specialists. Through its extensive network of healthcare providers, Meridian ensures that women receive timely and appropriate care throughout their pregnancy journey.

In this collaboration, Meridian will leverage its healthcare infrastructure and expertise to ensure that expectant mothers enrolled in its programs have access to Mae’s digital health platform. By integrating Mae’s services into its care model, Meridian aims to enhance the support available to pregnant women, particularly those in underserved communities.

**Mae’s Role in the Partnership**

Mae is a digital health platform that provides personalized, culturally competent care to expectant mothers. Mae’s platform offers a range of services, including virtual consultations with healthcare providers, educational resources, and community support. The platform is designed to address the unique needs of women of color, who often face barriers to accessing quality maternal care.

One of Mae’s key features is its focus on culturally competent care. The platform connects users with healthcare providers who understand the cultural and social factors that can impact maternal health. This approach helps to build trust between patients and providers, which is crucial for improving health outcomes.

Mae also offers a wealth of educational resources that empower women to take control of their health. From information on prenatal nutrition to guidance on managing postpartum depression, Mae’s resources are designed to help women make informed decisions about their care.

### Key Objectives of the Collaboration

The collaboration between Meridian and Mae is centered around several key objectives:

1. **Reducing Maternal Health Disparities**: By providing culturally competent care and addressing the unique needs of women of color, the partnership aims to reduce the disparities in maternal health outcomes. This includes addressing implicit bias in healthcare settings and ensuring that women receive the care they need in a timely manner.

2. **Improving Access to Care**: One of the biggest barriers to maternal health is access to quality care. Through this partnership, Meridian and Mae will work together to ensure that women in underserved communities have access to the resources and support they need, whether through in-person visits or virtual consultations.

3. **Enhancing Patient Education**: Education is a critical component of maternal health. Mae’s platform offers a range of educational resources that empower women to make informed decisions about their care. By integrating these resources into Meridian’s care model, the partnership aims to improve health literacy and encourage proactive healthcare management.

4. **Supporting Postpartum Care**: Maternal health doesn’t end with childbirth. Postpartum care is essential for ensuring the long-term health of both mother and baby. The partnership will focus on providing comprehensive postpartum support, including mental health services, lactation support, and guidance on managing postpartum complications.

5. **Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes**: The use of digital health platforms like Mae allows for more personalized and accessible care. By leveraging technology, the partnership can reach more women, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, and provide them with the tools they need to manage their health effectively.

### The Road Ahead: A Model for Future Collaborations

The collaboration between Meridian and Mae represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the maternal health crisis in the United States. By combining Meridian’s extensive healthcare network with Mae’s