EverThrive Illinois co-leads the Chicago Collaborative for Maternal Health (CCMH) with its partner AllianceChicago. Our shared goal is to combat the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis happening in Chicago with an emphasis on the south and west side neighborhoods experiencing the greatest disparities. Through CCMH, we seek to build awareness in these communities and in […]
Continue ReadingGovernor Pritzker Signs Law to Address Racism in Medicaid
Maternal and Infant Mortality
This week, Governor JB Pritzker signed the fourth and final pillar of the 2021 Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda. This pillar, bill number HB 158, addresses systemic racism in the Medicaid health care system by requiring implicit bias training for providers, expands access to high-quality, evidence-based doula and home visiting services for people with Medicaid, and […]
Continue ReadingBirth Justice for Black Birthing Parents
Maternal and Infant Mortality
After decades of decline, maternal mortality in the U.S. and in Illinois has worsened since 2000 and not all pregnant people are equally at risk. Black pregnant and postpartum women die at six times the rate of white women in Illinois. Women on Medicaid during their pregnancy face almost five times the risk of pregnancy-related death that women with private insurance experience. But to call this phenomenon a maternal mortality “crisis” only captures some of the […]
Continue ReadingIllinois Passes Historic Provisions to Increase Access to Home Visiting and Doula Services
Maternal and Infant Mortality
EverThrive Illinois and Start Early are thrilled the Illinois Senate approved House Bill 158 (HB158). The bill now moves to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk for his signature. Among other historic provisions, the legislation creates the statutory framework for expanding Medicaid to cover home visiting and doula services. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus for crafting a series of bills this year, including HB158, that centered the needs and experiences of Black Illinoisians, who […]
Continue ReadingOne Step Closer to Expanding Postpartum Coverage
Maternal and Infant Mortality
Across the U.S., thousands of people lose Medicaid coverage at 60 days postpartum. The entire postpartum period is 12-months, however, and applies to anyone who has experienced pregnancy. Coverage is important for birthing parents but essential for those who may have lost a pregnancy or experienced high-risk complications and have specific medical needs. Ending coverage […]
Continue ReadingMaking Birth Safer in Illinois
Maternal and Infant Mortality
Every pregnant person deserves the opportunity to deliver their babies in a safe, affordable, and comfortable setting of their choice. However, the current landscape of birthing options on the south and west sides of Chicago, and in rural parts of the state, limits their choices.
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