What You Should Know:
– Babyscripts, a virtual maternity care provider, has partnered with Lyft to address transportation insecurity among pregnant women in Washington D.C.
– This innovative collaboration provides free rides to maternity care appointments, improving access to essential care and reducing health disparities.
Tackling Maternity Care Deserts
Washington D.C. faces significant challenges in maternal health, with high rates of maternal mortality and limited access to care. Transportation insecurity further exacerbates these issues, particularly for Black mothers who experience disproportionately worse outcomes.
Free Rides for Improved Access
The Babyscripts and Lyft partnership offers a practical solution by providing free transportation to maternity care appointments through the Babyscripts myJourney app. This initiative has already shown a significant impact:
- Increased Access: 71% of patients identifying as transportation insecure have utilized the benefit.
- Cost Savings: With an average of 6 rides per user at $29 per ride, users have saved an average of $173.
- Improved Attendance: Patients like Aleyah Johnson, a 26-year-old MedStar patient, have reported improved appointment attendance and reduced anxiety thanks to the program.
Addressing a Growing Problem
Maternity care deserts, areas with limited or no access to maternity care services, are a growing concern across the U.S. Over 2 million women of childbearing age live in counties with no obstetric care, birth centers, or obstetric providers.
Babyscripts’ Comprehensive Approach to Maternity Care
Babyscripts’ virtual maternity care program empowers patients to actively participate in their care journey by providing tools and resources through a smartphone app. The program includes:
- Risk Identification: Surveys, assessments, and remote patient monitoring help identify potential risks.
- Care Coordination: A dynamic risk stratification model activates the appropriate care team members to manage identified risks.
- Patient Engagement: Provides patients with convenient access to educational materials and support throughout their pregnancy.
