Louisiana Healthcare Connections announced two major milestones: 130,000 babies have now been born under the health plan’s care, and 25,000 cribs have been distributed across the state.
As a Medicaid health plan for the Louisiana Department of Health, the organization supports approximately 12,000 births annually.
“Healthy moms mean healthy babies, and that means a stronger future for Louisiana,” said Jamie Schlottman, plan president for Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “We will continue to provide programs that support maternal and infant health at every stage—from pregnancy through early childhood.”
Louisiana Healthcare Connections offers a range of maternal and child health programs, including:
-Start Smart for Your Baby®: A nationally recognized care management program offering health education, appointment reminders, community resource referrals, and a mobile app for on-the-go guidance. Members can enroll at no cost.
-Member Baby Showers: The gatherings offer free health education, essential maternity and baby supplies, and a chance to connect with local healthcare providers.
-Safe Sleep Program: In partnership with Cribs for Kids®, Louisiana Healthcare Connections provides free portable cribs, along with safe sleep education to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
“Our crib distribution efforts are about more than giving families a safe and secure place for their baby to sleep — it’s about saving lives,” said Dana Lawson, Sr., MD, vice president of population health & clinical operations. "Unsafe sleep environments are linked to 85% of sudden unexpected infant deaths. Investing in safe sleep education is one of the most powerful ways we can safeguard the health of Louisiana’s children. We urge parents, caregivers, providers, and community leaders to learn and share safe sleep practices—because every baby deserves a safe start."