Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is serious about improving maternal health outcomes in the I.E.
New moms and moms-to-be are invited to visit IEHP’s Community Resource Centers in December for free maternal mental health events, which will offer health and wellness resources and connections to prenatal and postpartum care.
Events will be hosted by IEHP’s Maternal Mental Health Team at all three of the health plan’s Community Resource Centers:
- Thursday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at IEHP’s Victorville center, 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C-2 & C-3, Victorville, Calif., 92395
- Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.- noon at IEHP’s San Bernardino center, 805 W. Second St., Suite C, San Bernardino, Calif., 92410
- Friday, Dec. 9, 2- 5 p.m. at IEHP’s Riverside center, 3590 Tyler St., Suite 101, Riverside, Calif., 92503
Registration is encouraged by visiting Connect I.E. or IEHP’s Events page on Facebook.
In addition to information on community resources for prenatal and postpartum care, attendees will receive baby items and will be eligible for raffle prizes. Members will also learn more about their maternal health benefits and the services they can access.
“The pregnancy process doesn’t end once the baby is born,” said IEHP Manager Heather Waters, LCSW. “Postpartum care is just as important as prenatal care. Our team at IEHP can assist you with linkage to your postpartum appointment and any additional services, such as transportation and behavioral health.”
A recent report from the CDC also highlights this need, citing that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths between 2017-2019 were preventable and 53% of deaths occurred between seven days and one year after delivery. The report also notes the leading underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths include mental health conditions.
“Our Maternal Mental Health team at IEHP is serious about improving maternal health outcomes in our communities, and we look forward to equipping our members with the necessary tools, benefit information and resources they need to deliver healthy babies and remain well after delivery,” added Waters.