Hera Women's Health and the High Risk Pregnancy Center (HRPC) unveil the Medical Maternity Home Program to address the alarming maternal health disparities of Pahrump. This pioneering initiative improves access to lifesaving prenatal care for rural Nevada communities.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In an ambitious step to combat rural maternal health challenges, Hera Women's Health and the High Risk Pregnancy Center (HRPC) are proud to announce the launch of the Medical Maternity Home Program in Pahrump, Nevada. Set to commence operations in late 2025, this program is designed to deliver comprehensive maternal-fetal medicine and behavioral health services to underserved areas, redefining the standard of care for expectant mothers in rural communities.
Backed by a $1.1 million investment from the Centene Foundation and SilverSummit Healthplan, this initiative represents a vital response to Pahrump's designation as a "maternity care desert." Through this collaborative effort, the program aims to reduce preterm birth rates and improve neonatal outcomes in Nye County, where maternal health disparities pose life-threatening risks for mothers and babies alike.
Maternal health outcomes in rural areas like Pahrump lag significantly behind national averages. In 2023, Nye County reported a 13.4% preterm birth rate, far exceeding the national average of 10.4%, as well as an infant mortality rate of 8.22%. These stark statistics underscore the urgent need for localized maternal health services.
As a maternity care desert, Pahrump lacks sufficient access to essential prenatal and postpartum services. Expectant mothers must often travel over an hour to reach the nearest hospital, creating barriers that can turn emergencies into life-threatening situations. The lack of immediate care disproportionately impacts mothers dealing with financial, transportation, and food insecurities.
"For a woman in labor or experiencing complications, even a 60-minute drive to care can feel like an eternity," said Dr. Brian Iriye, President of Hera Women's Health. "These barriers are unacceptable in a community of 49,000 people, and we're committed to addressing them head-on."
"Our goal with the Medical Maternity Home Program is to bring together a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure every mother and baby in rural Nevada has access to the high-quality care they deserve," said Dr. Brian Iriye, President of Hera Women's Health. "By fostering partnerships and utilizing innovative solutions, we aim to overcome the challenges faced by underserved communities and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes across the region. Access to care isn't just a convenience—it's a lifesaving necessity."
How Hera Women's Health Provides a Solution
The Medical Maternity Home Program bridges the gap between rural communities and advanced maternal healthcare by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- On-site prenatal care and obstetrical services at least twice a month.
- Maternal-fetal medicine consultations and advanced ultrasounds via telemedicine and in-person care.
- Behavioral health support and opioid use disorder treatment.
- Telehealth programs to extend access to specialized care, ensuring women receive consistent and timely treatment regardless of location.
- Training programs for local healthcare providers, equipping them with the skills to manage obstetrical emergencies and ensure high-quality care.
This initiative ensures that every patient receives timely, personalized, and effective treatment by leveraging technologies like SilverSummit Healthplan's Project Guardian, which incorporates remote monitoring, and adhering to evidence-based care protocols.
The Local and Broader Impact
The launch of this program marks a significant milestone for maternal care in Nevada and serves as a potential model for other rural regions across the nation. In addition to Pahrump, the program could expand to other underserved areas, including Elko, Winnemucca, and even parts of northwest Arizona, where similar healthcare gaps exist.
For Nye County, the initiative is expected to directly reduce preterm birth rates, improve infant mortality rates, and provide critical support to families who have historically been overlooked. Moreover, the program's multidisciplinary approach may pave the way for state and national policymakers to rethink how maternity care is delivered in rural settings.
"Whenever you can get care to someone, it needs to be the right care, at the right place, and at the right time," added Dr. Iriye. "This program is about more than healthcare—it's about ensuring equity and dignity for every mother and child."
To learn more about the Medical Maternity Home Program and its mission to improve maternal health outcomes in rural Nevada, visit hera-health.com or contact the High Risk Pregnancy Center at 702-382-3200.
Stay updated by following us on social media and share our vision for healthier families and stronger communities. Together, we can ensure no mother is left without the care she deserves.
About Hera Women's Health
Hera Women's Health is a pioneering national network of women's healthcare practices dedicated to transforming the landscape of women's health. With a focus on personalized, evidence-based care, Hera Women's Health delivers advanced medical solutions that address the unique needs of women at every stage of life—from adolescence to post-menopause. The network's commitment extends beyond clinical excellence, with a mission to address healthcare disparities, foster preventive care, and advance maternal and neonatal outcomes nationwide. Guided by innovation, collaboration, and a holistic approach, Hera Women's Health is shaping a future where every woman can access high-quality, equitable healthcare.
About the High Risk Pregnancy Center (HRPC)
The High Risk Pregnancy Center (HRPC) has been Nevada's leader in maternal-fetal medicine for over 20 years, specializing in providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for high-risk pregnancies. With locations in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, HRPC combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to ensure the best possible outcomes for mothers and their babies. The High Risk Pregnancy Center offers a wide array of services, including preconception counseling, advanced ultrasound imaging, genetic counseling, diabetes management, and behavioral health support for anxiety and depression during pregnancy. The practice is also at the forefront of innovation, introducing the first non-invasive genetic testing for preterm birth risks and conducting groundbreaking research in maternal-fetal medicine. Renowned for their expertise, research, and patient-centered approach, HRPC's physicians and specialists are trusted partners in navigating the complexities of high-risk pregnancies and fostering healthier futures for families across Nevada.
Media Contact
Mike McCleney, Hera Women's Health, 1 617-543-3444, [email protected], https://hera-health.com/
SOURCE Hera Women's Health
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