What You Should Know:
– Michigan is taking a major step forward in improving maternal and infant health by expanding access to the Philips Avent Pregnancy+ mobile app for Medicaid-eligible families.
– The public-private partnership between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Royal Philips addresses the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and creates a more equitable healthcare system.
Connecting Families to Resources and Education
The Pregnancy+ app provides valuable resources and education for pregnant women and families, including:
- Home visiting programs: Connecting families to evidence-based programs proven to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Educational content: Access to information on breastfeeding, tobacco cessation, vaccination, and safe sleep practices.
- State and local resources: Discovering support available through Michigan-specific programs and services.
Impactful Results and Expansion Plans
In its first year, the app has already reached over 32,000 Michigan families, with nearly 80% of users reporting increased awareness of available resources. This success has led to:
- Over 1,000 Medicaid-eligible individuals connecting with home visiting programs.
- 50% of users accessing state or local resources after learning about them in the app.
The expansion will now provide Medicaid-eligible families with premium content, including:
- Audio/video courses on mental health, nutrition, yoga, finance, and other important topics.
- Information about Medicaid renewals to ensure continued coverage.
Setting the Standard for Maternal and Infant Health
Michigan’s initiative sets a powerful example for other states. Dana Medema, Head of Personal Health at Philips North America, states, “By leveraging the Pregnancy+ app, Michigan is setting the bar in advancing maternal and infant health during pregnancy and afterward.” This partnership demonstrates the effectiveness of public-private collaborations in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
