Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. and Healthcare Network Launch Statewide Initiative to Expand Access to Prenatal Care Across Florida The mobile maternal health project delivers prenatal care, health education, and community resources directly to women. It targets women’s communities where access to essential healthcare services is a challenge. The program brings services directly to local communities using the Van Domelen Health Express mobile unit of Healthcare Network. Simply Healthcare’s investment will help support travel and operations of the mobile unit across the state.
The mobile health tour will travel from South Florida through the Panhandle until May 2027. During the tour, women can receive free pregnancy screenings and non-diagnostic ultrasounds. The mobile unit will also provide prenatal and postnatal health education. In addition, staff will help families connect with housing, food, transportation, and other community resources. Local community health centers will lead patient outreach and coordinate appointments. Healthcare Network’s mobile clinic will then supplement those local services.
This approach allows the initiative to extend prenatal care beyond traditional healthcare locations. It also helps women connect with services that support healthier pregnancies.
“Early prenatal services and ongoing support can make a significant difference for both mother and baby, but accessing them is not equally easy for every woman,” said Jaime Khemraj, M.D., chief medical officer at Healthcare Network. “By working alongside local health centers, we can extend resources beyond their walls and reach women who may benefit from additional support. The local partnership also helps ensure women remain connected to service providers in their communities after the mobile unit moves on.”
Mobile Health Tour Reaches Communities
The statewide tour includes more than a dozen planned stops across Florida. The route will cover communities from South Florida through the Panhandle. The program will continue through May 2027. Women and families can access several maternal health services during the tour.
These services include:
- Free pregnancy screenings
- Non-diagnostic ultrasounds
- Prenatal and postnatal health education
- Referrals and on-site registration with local FQHCs
- Connections to ongoing prenatal services and resources
The move comes as Florida continues to struggle with access to early prenatal care. State health departments’ data show a decline in first-trimester prenatal care in recent years. First trimester prenatal care rose to 68.9% in 2024. In 2020, this figure was 76.1%.
That’s why the mobile initiative is designed to help close this access gap. It also supports broader efforts to improve maternal health care across the state. The initiative follows the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s (AHCA) From the Start program. The program is designed to improve maternal outcomes and enhance care coordination.
It is also trying to reduce disparities in access to health care for women across Florida. From the Start supports greater access to mobile obstetric services. Mobile services can help healthcare providers to reach women who need extra support. They can also link patients to existing health care resources in their communities.
Building Closer Ties in Maternal Health Care
Healthcare Network and Simply Healthcare are combining mobile services with local health care infrastructure. This model allows care to be brought to communities and still maintain ties to local providers.
This approach also makes it possible to better coordinate care throughout pregnancy. Women receive immediate services and learn about resources for longer-term health care.
“Simply Healthcare recognized the value in bringing resources directly to women while building on the relationships and infrastructure of trusted health centers in their communities, so we made the investment to expand Healthcare Network’s reach across Florida,” said Marc Kaprow, D.O., medical director for Simply Healthcare Plans. “This innovative initiative is a practical way to reach women earlier, help overcome barriers to access, strengthen care coordination and ultimately improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.”
The partnership places a strong focus on reaching women earlier in pregnancy. At the same time, it addresses social factors that can affect maternal health outcomes. Access to housing, food, transportation, and other resources can influence a woman’s ability to maintain healthy pregnancy care. Consequently, the mobile initiative connects healthcare services with broader community support.
Women can also receive information about ongoing services available through local healthcare providers. This helps maintain continuity after the mobile health unit leaves each community. The initiative therefore combines prenatal care, education, referrals, and community resource connections. It aims to make maternal healthcare more accessible for women throughout Florida.
How Florida Residents Can Access Services
Florida residents interested in available services can contact Healthcare Network directly. They can also learn about upcoming mobile health unit stops. Residents can contact Healthcare Network at 239-658-3000. They can also visit HealthcareSWFL.org for additional information.
Simply Healthcare members can visit SimplyHealthcarePlans.com to learn more about maternal health. Members may also call the Member Services number on the back of their member ID card. Your health plan can tell you what maternal health benefits and programs are offered. Other resources on pregnancy and maternal health are also available for members to explore.
The mobile tour will be traveling around the state until May 2027. That way, more communities will be able to access maternal health care services. Simply Healthcare and Healthcare Network are removing barriers by bringing services to communities. They also want to encourage earlier prenatal care and stronger ties with local providers.
The move underscores the increasing importance of mobile health care in serving underserved populations. It also shows how partnerships can increase access to essential maternal health services.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
