ALBUQUERQUE – January 27, 2025 – Lovelace Health System (LHS) recently announced it received a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) as part of BCBSNM's statewide-expanded Special Beginnings® maternal and infant health initiative to aid moms along their preconception, prenatal and postpartum journey.
The Special Beginnings program is focused on:
- Implementing quality-based maternal health programs that demonstrate a reduction in preterm and low-birth-weight babies, as well as obstetric and postpartum emergencies;
- Expanding access to comprehensive health services, including behavioral health care during the preconception, prenatal and postpartum periods; and
- Increasing public awareness and community engagement to reduce maternal morbidity, mortality and health disparities, with an emphasis on diversifying and expanding the maternal health workforce.
LHS will be using the grant funds to educate and support its Giving Respect and Compassion to Expectant Mothers (GRACE) program in outlying areas of the state. GRACE focuses primarily on pregnant women addicted to opioids; both prescription drugs and illicit street drugs, such as heroin but also works with those who have issues with methamphetamines, cocaine or alcohol. Lovelace works closely with outside partners, such as behavioral health clinics, social workers and agencies that can assist with things like food stamps, shelter and employment. They also work with clinics that offer medication, which doctors can prescribe for pregnant women who have been using opioids.
“We are so grateful to BCBSNM for this grant which will help bring GRACE to mothers in areas outside of Albuquerque,” said Vesta Sandoval, MD, chief medical officer for LHS. “This program helps keep moms and babies together after birth and connect them with social workers to help with aftercare, setting them up for success in the long run.”
BCBSNM continues to build on long-standing maternal and infant care programs as well as relationships with trusted local community organizations, health care providers and thought leaders to leverage their knowledge, experience and talents to increase access to care, reduce care gaps and educate and engage New Mexicans at a local level.
"Our collaboration with the GRACE program is an opportunity for us to make a positive impact on the health of moms and babies in New Mexico,” said Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, chief medical officer and VP of health care delivery at BCBSNM. “GRACE offers comprehensive support and resources to address the challenges posed by substance use disorders, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for the entire family. This collaboration reflects our dedication to fostering a healthier future for New Mexico communities.”
To learn more about Lovelace Health System, and its commitment to providing quality and compassionate care, please visit lovelace.com. To learn more about BCBSNM and its dedication to the health insurance needs of New Mexicans, visit bcbsnm.com.
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Contact:
Whitney Alcantar, Lovelace Health System
Phone: 505.727.5503
Lovelace Health System
Lovelace is comprised of Lovelace Medical Group/New Mexico Heart Institute, Lovelace Women’s Hospital, Lovelace Medical Center, Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Westside Hospital, Lovelace Regional Hospital and Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital. Across its six hospitals, 33 health care clinics and seven outpatient therapy clinics, Lovelace has 619 inpatient beds and employs a team of more than 3,200, including over 300 health care providers. Lovelace continues to invest in our community, providing more than $99 million in unfunded care and supporting local nonprofit and community organizations with more than $315,000 in charitable contributions and community support in 2023. From the first and only hospital in New Mexico dedicated to women’s health to the state’s only hospital devoted exclusively to cardiovascular care, Lovelace is a leader in meeting the healthcare needs of this region. To learn more about our state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives, visit lovelace.com.