Our collaborator, Kate Hanson from Meals4Families, has shared with us an important update regarding the Medicaid 1115 waiver and the potential expansion of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP). This development directly aligns with our mission at Breastfeed Durham and the concerns many of you have voiced over time.
The NC Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver is on the cusp of renewal, aiming to continue improving the health and well-being of North Carolinians. This waiver plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthcare system that addresses both medical needs and the social determinants of health, ensuring a more holistic approach to wellbeing.
Key to our interests is the proposed expansion of the HOP, which includes thoughtful responses to community feedback:
- Enhanced Support for Pregnant Individuals: The addition of targeted childcare support to the Pilots stands out as a crucial element, with the potential to bolster early childhood development and health. This is especially significant as it recognizes the foundational role early care plays in lifelong wellness.
- Wider Scope for Essential Needs: Existing services are set to be enriched with basic hygiene products, improved transportation services, nutritional supplements, and legal support, addressing everyday hurdles that can significantly impact health outcomes.
- Doula Services and Economic Support: There’s a spotlight on the importance of doula services for pregnant individuals, particularly in connecting Black pregnant people to such services. This reflects a broader ambition to foster economic security and employment through additional Pilot services.
As we await the federal review and subsequent steps, let’s reflect on the potential these changes hold for nurturing the health of our community. These enhancements could shape an environment where breastfeeding support and maternal health are given the weight they deserve in policy decisions.
We also anticipate future opportunities for community engagement. Your expert opinions and lived experiences are invaluable, and we encourage you to prepare for active participation in shaping these services.
For now, there’s no immediate action required from Breastfeed Durham. However, we are poised to contribute when the moment arises, and we will ensure your voices are heard in this vital conversation.
We extend our gratitude to Kate for keeping us in the loop and for her dedication to advocating for healthier families. Let’s stay connected, informed, and ready to contribute our expertise to this promising evolution in health policy.
Stay tuned for more updates, and please feel free to share this information within your networks. Your insights and the amplification of this dialogue are instrumental in the collective effort to enhance the well-being of our community.