Sendero Health Plans Offers Innovative New Program Utilizing Community Health Workers to Deliver Personalized Continuum of Care for Pregnant Women and Other Members

PR Newswire

AUSTIN, Texas, April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Austin's community-based, non-profit health insurance company, Sendero Health Plans, has launched an innovative new program to help keep its members healthy. The program, called A Tu Lado – By Your Side, includes the use of trained and certified Community Health Workers (CHWs) to improve health outcomes among Sendero members. Sendero implemented a Diabetes and post-partum CHW program in 2015, and is expanding this to encompass complete care for pregnant women. A CHW will accompany members every step of the way from pregnancy testing through delivery and beyond to ensure that pregnant women access all appropriate services available to improve the health of both mom and baby.

Sendero recognizes CHWs as integral members of the health care workforce who can play a key role in achieving better care for our members. Wes Durkalski, President and CEO of Sendero Health Plans, explained "Since 2014, Sendero has been utilizing CHWs, or Promotores de Salud, because of their trusted relationship with the community we serve. They provide a high-touch model, which includes home visits, to support a wide range of activities that increase health knowledge, self-sufficiency and appropriate utilization of healthcare services."

The program incorporates comprehensive and expanded obstetric (OB) services including personal, professional and compassionate care in the prevention, detection and treatment of a broad range of women's health concerns and family issues. The OB expanded care services provided free by Sendero include pregnancy testing, educational baby showers, personalized communications during pregnancy, prenatal support, post-partum support and breastfeeding classes.

In addition, members will have access to Sendero's LifeSteps, a guide for members to resources on topics including: nutrition and healthy eating; budgeting and money management; parenting and family issues; English as a second language (ESL); GED and workforce development.

To further help the new parents, Sendero Health Plans has recently been accepted as a non- profit partner participating in the national Diaper Disparity program. Sendero will now be able to purchase diapers at discounted prices and offer them to its members. Nearly one in three American families struggle to afford enough diapers, which can lead to serious health problems for both babies and parents.

Currently Sendero is conducting an IRB approved study to evaluate the effectiveness of CHW's in helping to improve outcomes for pregnant members and newborns, and members with chronic conditions such as diabetes. This is a multi-arm study, including a double-blind randomized controlled trial component, assessing interventions designed to improve outcomes and lower costs.

Sendero Medical Director Ted Held, MD, believes the A Tu-Lado - By Your Side program is the perfect complement to the care he provides as a physician at People's Community Clinic. "Both Sendero and People's Community Clinic are committed to improving the health of underserved communities. We hope patients will develop a personal relationship with their CHW, so that all of their needs can be met with respect and dignity."

Durkalski added that "Sendero Health Plans has been utilizing CHW's to improve care for members regardless of coverage and including Medicaid, federal Marketplace, and indigent care programs. We are committed to helping healthcare move beyond traditional service delivery models, and developing and implementing the latest evidence based methods to address the social and environmental conditions that perpetuate and exacerbate poor health in our communities."

Other new and exciting health initiatives will be announced by Sendero Health Plans in the near future, as it works together with community providers and partners for the benefit of all residents.

More About Sendero Health Plans
Formed in 2011 to improve access to care for those covered by publicly-funded health insurance programs, the non-profit health plan covers an eight-county area in Burnet, Bastrop, Travis, Fayette, Hays, Williamson, Lee and Caldwell counties. Sendero Health Plans is sponsored by the Travis County Healthcare District (d.b.a. Central Health), Visit www.senderohealth.com to learn more about Sendero Health Plans.