New Report: Arizona Moms and Families Need Equitable Care

You can’t fix a problem you don’t know about.

The Arizona State Health Assessment helps identify the biggest health challenges in our communities - because understanding the issues is the first step to finding real solutions.

The 2024 report by the Arizona Department of Health Services shines a light on health concerns related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

It’s clear that too many moms don’t get the support they need. Here’s why and how AZ Blue is working to change that.

Key takeaways

1. There are big health gaps for people of color.

• Hispanic, Black, and Native American moms experience pregnancy-related deaths at a higher rate. 90% of these deaths are considered preventable.
• Infant deaths are at a 10-year high. Black and Native American infants have the highest rates.

2. Mental health matters.

• The leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths is mental health conditions.

3. Rural areas are at greater risk.

• In urban counties, pregnancy-related deaths are down but up in rural areas.
• In rural areas, there is less access to needed prenatal care.

To reduce some of these inequities, AZ Blue has Care Managers who can help members with direct pregnancy-related needs and so much more – like mental health and social needs like food insecurity. To learn more and get connected, visit: Moms Deserve More: The State of Maternal Health in Arizona.

Funding health for moms

The AZ Blue Foundation has provided funding and partners with the AZ Chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI), an organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health conditions related to childbearing.

“One of the things we do best is provide so many free resources and use peer support.” Elizabeth Wood, Board Chairperson of PSI AZ Chapter, said. “Here in Arizona, we also have been on a mission to transform our perinatal mental healthcare desert into an oasis of equitable and accessible care.”

With AZ Blue funding, PSI increased its number of providers of color and rural providers with perinatal mental health certification. A bigger team means they can help more Arizona moms experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.

Are you a mom or family who needs support? Reach out to PSI now: Postpartum Depression and Other Mood Disorders - PSI Arizona Chapter.

Watch the video

PSI won the Courage in Action Award at our 2024 Mental Health Summit. Learn more about their impact!