vancouver Clinic Aims to Relaunch CenteringPregnancy Effort Amidst Prenatal‌ Care Concerns

Vancouver, WA – Vancouver Clinic⁢ is preparing to revive its CenteringPregnancy program, a group prenatal care model, as⁢ data reveals significant disparities in prenatal care access within Clark ‌County. The initiative comes at a critical time, with potential Medicaid cuts looming that ‌could further exacerbate existing challenges.

the⁣ clinic delivers approximately​ 2,000 ‍babies annually, with around ‍600 of those ‌births covered by Medicaid, according to data shared by clinic representatives. Recent statistics from Clark County Public Health indicate a concerning trend: in 2024, over 2,000 births were covered by medicaid,⁣ and approximately 31 percent of these patients received inadequate prenatal care. In contrast, roughly 22 percent of the more than 3,300 ⁣births covered by private insurance experienced⁢ similar deficiencies.

These figures underscore ⁢the urgent need for improved access to quality prenatal care, particularly for vulnerable populations. “Medicaid ⁢cuts may further limit access to care for pregnant patients on ‍Medicaid,” warned a clinic spokesperson.⁤ “Early prenatal care is critical, as it significantly improves outcomes for both mothers and babies.”

The Role of Midwifery and Group Care

The relaunch‍ of CenteringPregnancy aligns with a growing emphasis on patient-centered care models, particularly those leveraging the expertise of certified ⁢nurse-midwives. Allison Lawrence, a certified nurse-midwife at Vancouver Clinic, highlights the benefits of midwifery’s approach.

“Midwifery’s distinct focus on autonomy, informed consent and lower intervention can lead to lower C-section rates and⁤ overall improved health outcomes for women.”

Lawrence was instrumental in facilitating the original CenteringPregnancy program before⁢ it was paused. She expressed enthusiasm for its return, ‌noting the positive impact it had on⁢ patients.

“From a midwife perspective,‍ and from what I saw through my patients’ eyes, ⁣it⁢ was not only higher quality care and⁢ more ⁣engaging,⁤ but it was more fun too,” Lawrence shared. “Parents would come to the group and be really excited about their pregnancy and connecting with others.”

CenteringPregnancy offers a unique ⁢approach to prenatal ⁤care, fostering a supportive community among expectant parents while providing extensive education and monitoring. The program’s revival signals Vancouver Clinic’s commitment to addressing prenatal care disparities and improving maternal and infant health in ⁤Clark County.