Supporting Moms and Babies

Marking Two Years of Impact

Last year, we celebrated measurable outcomes achieved with our clinical and community partners in our expanded Special Beginnings maternal and infant health initiative launched in 2023.

Since the program's inception, we provided more than $12.1 million to 21 community partners working to increase access to quality care and other resources for moms, babies and families. More than 6,400 healthy babies were born through program partners, and nearly 150,000 people received services.

Several of these efforts helped bolster the maternal health care workforce, including training of midwives and doulas, preparing Texas to expand access to vital support and services during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

“We’ve served the state of Texas for more than 95 years through every stage of life,” says BCBSTX Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Chassay. “That starts with maternal care.”

More Progress to Be Made

A new round of Special Beginnings grants totaling nearly $2 million was awarded in 2025 to 10 existing partners and five new partners collaborating to improve access to quality maternal and infant health care and address social factors that influence a mother and baby’s health and well-being. 

Some of these organizations are implementing quality-based maternal health programs that reduce the number of preterm and low-birth-weight babies, as well as obstetric and postpartum emergencies.

Others are expanding access to comprehensive health services, including behavioral health care, and increasing awareness and community engagement to reduce maternal deaths and health disparities.