Essentia Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Collaborate to Support Maternal Health

In 2020, leaders from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), the Essentia Health Foundation and Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center met to discuss how they could collaborate to break down barriers for local mothers who face financial hardships and can’t afford necessities, such as breast pumps, refrigerators, car seats and food.

“To ensure access to equitable, high-quality care, we must consider factors outside of the doctor’s office that impact patients in very real ways,” said Rachel Edmunds, manager of family building programs at Blue Cross. “We are proud of this partnership, which is built upon shared goals, to help expecting parents receive the pre- and postnatal care they deserve by overcoming disparities for stronger, healthier newborns.”

In January 2021, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Essentia Health Maternity Program was founded when Blue Cross committed its first gift of $95,000 to address social determinants of health that intersect with maternal wellness.

Since then, Blue Cross has generously committed an additional $280,000 to the Essentia Health Foundation—including a recent gift of $140,000—to sustain and advance the program.  

“We are immensely grateful for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s generous commitment,” said Matt Piede, Chief Development Officer of the Essentia Health Foundation. “Their dedication to the immediate healthcare needs of mothers and families has led to transformational change in the lives of many of our neighbors. This partnership shines a light on what can be achieved when guided by collaboration and compassion.”

In addition to funding preventive care measures and wellness initiatives that support mothers throughout their entire pregnancy, the Blue Cross gift has enabled the hiring of nurse care coordinators: dedicated points of contact for each mother in the program. Nurse care coordinators make things easier by serving as advocates, providing education, ensuring appointments are at accessible times, recommending community resources, creating focused care plans and more. 

“We have been privileged to build relationships with incredible and resilient women while addressing unique challenges. Women experience various stressors that can make navigating their healthcare really difficult, especially throughout pregnancy,” said Kristy Gunderson, RN Care Coordinator for the Maternity Program.

“Tailored and compassionate care coordination enables us to meet mothers where they are by providing key connections and support and empowering them to make meaningful changes to their overall wellbeing.”

To date, the Maternity Program has served 265 people, made 547 referrals to community partners, distributed $2,350 in gas and grocery cards, and provided expecting parents with car seats, blood pressure cuffs and clothing.

“This program has allowed us to experience the real benefits of human and community connection and support. It’s a tremendous feeling to see local mothers and families grow to trust and have hope in our services,” said Jennifer Baumann, RN Care Coordinator for the Maternity Program. “We are contributing to stronger, healthier community members and creating hope rooted in tailored care, safety, community and self-reliance.”

If you’re inspired to support maternal health through the Essentia Health Foundation, please contact Robin Pestalozzi, MNM, at [email protected] or (218) 786-5111. To make a contribution, please visit our giving page.