Once again the Hamon Charitable Foundation has proved that the legacy of the late philanthropists Nancy and Jake Hamon lives on. It was just announced that the Foundation has donated $1M to support Parkland Health and Hospital System’s Extending Maternal Care After Pregnancy (eMCAP).
Launched last October, eMCAP “addresses and reframes the focus of maternal and fetal care not only at delivery but throughout the first year postpartum, focusing on a geographic area of Dallas County that has significant needs and, in some cases, has become a healthcare desert.”
According to Parkland Chief of Obstetrics/Chief Maternal Medical Director Dr. David B. Nelson, “Our approach involves both care coordination beginning at the hospital and discharge following delivery. Rather than asking patients to come to us, we are going to them. A team of care coordinators, nurse navigators and community health workers are providing a bridge of access to care for the full year following delivery.”
This need was only heightened by the Texas Health and Human Service’s Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force 2018 report, which said that “62% of maternal mortality cases across the state from 2012 to 2015 occurred between six weeks and one year after delivery.”
As Hamon Charitable Foundation President Kelly Roach explained, “We are pleased to continue the Foundation’s alignment with Parkland, and we recognize the immediate need for the maternal services the eMCAP program provides.”
To put a face on those mothers in need of such help, there is Taelor, who a few months after giving birth to an adorable little girl, suffered crippling back pains that were so severe she needed medical attention. Unfortunately, Medicaid coverage had already run out. On a very limited budget, the young mother had to pay out of pocket for doctor appointments. While Taelor’s condition fortunately didn’t have complications, it would have been much less of a financial burden had eMCAP been in place.
As of January 26, the program had enrolled 304 families, completed 238 virtual maternal home visits and 221 virtual infant home visits. For the future, Parkland’s goal is “to continue enrolling 100 new families each month,” resulting in 1,200 each year.
In appreciation of the Foundation’s donation, Parkland Foundation President/CEO Michael A. Horne said, “We are grateful to the Hamon Charitable Foundation for their generous support of Parkland, our patients and our mission to create a healthy community. This generous donation will help promote greater health equity in Dallas County, providing women the healthcare services they need after childbirth to address complications before they become fatal.”
* Photo courtesy of Parkland Foundation