United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has been changing lives for 100 years. The nonprofit’s mission is to ensure all North Texans have equal access to necessities like quality education, good-paying jobs and affordable healthcare. It’s a mission Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has supported since 2022.
Besides partnering with community organizations, United Way develops programs to support prenatal and maternal health, parent education, fatherhood services and early literacy initiatives. One program, Flourishing Families, is in partnership with Metrocare Services.
United Way found many postpartum caregivers lack access to support they need, sometimes resulting in anxiety and depression that can lead to child maltreatment.
Flourishing Families provides new parents and other caregivers prenatal and postpartum support to help overcome health care obstacles and provide families with important resources. It’s available to all Dallas County families, regardless of income. A registered nurse and social worker coordinate in-home visits with prenatal and postpartum caregivers. They provide physical and mental health checks and child care education.
“They work in tandem together to make sure that all of the needs of the caregivers in the home are met, whether that's specific health-related issues, resource supports, lactation support, whatever the case may be,” says Abigail Sharp, United Way's Vice President of Early Childhood Initiatives.
A Flourishing Families client provided a testimonial.
"Flourishing Families has given me the confidence I need to be able to bond and care for my baby. The staff are very friendly, caring and always eager to answer any questions. Through the ‘Promoting First Relationships’ curriculum, I have learned skills and tips on soothing, identifying and recognizing cues, as well as the importance of building a strong relationship with my baby. As a first-time mom, I now feel better prepared to tackle the challenges I will encounter along the way as my baby gets older. I highly recommend Flourishing Families as a great resource for new parents.”
BCBSTX awarded Blue Impact℠ grants to support Flourishing Families in 2023 and 2024.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas was one of the first investors in the maternal health space for us at United Way back in 2022,” Sharp says.
The Blue Impact grant program invests in and collaborates with community-based organizations and nonprofits offering sustainable, measurable programs focused on improving social and economic drivers. Additionally, BCBSTX’s expanded Special Beginnings℠ Maternal and Infant Health initiative aims to improve health outcomes for Texas moms and babies.
“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, we know the importance of support systems and essential services that center family wellbeing,” says Dr. Yolanda Lawson, Executive Medical Director of maternal and infant health. “The Flourishing Families program reminds us that thriving communities begin with supported parents and nurtured children. We’re proud to stand with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in building a future where families can truly flourish.”
Sharp says Flourishing Families has grown since 2022, allowing it to serve more North Texas caregivers. By increasing access to community resources, mental health care and parent education, the program has reduced emergency room visits for non-emergency needs, lowered overall health care costs and increased overall family wellness in Dallas County.
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas gathered with community partners at the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court to recognize their efforts in conjunction with Black Maternal Health Week. Championed by District 1 Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel, the court passed a proclamation acknowledging the importance of Black maternal health.
Nailah Johnson, Senior Director of United Way's Texas home visiting program and maternal health initiatives, says she appreciated the effort to recognize organizations working to reduce maternal mortalities in North Texas.
“Our goal is to provide a village of organizations to support caregivers and their families, ultimately, to be able to thrive,” Johnson says. “One too many moms and babies are dying and it is very important that we work together to increase quality care for optimal long term outcomes.”
