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LifeWise Improves Well-Being of Moms-to-Be With Grant to PeaceHealth Medical Group Prenatal Clinic

Posted on: Thursday, 9 November 2006, 18:01 CST

LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon is investing in healthy moms and babies by granting $5000 to the PeaceHealth Medical Group (PHMG) Prenatal Clinic. The contribution supports free dental care for uninsured, pregnant women.

"At LifeWise, we're committed not only to improving the health of our members, but we're also dedicated to making a difference in the communities we serve," said Majd El-Azma, LifeWise President/CEO. "Our goal is to provide support at every stage of health and encourage improvements in quality health care. The PHMG Prenatal Clinic provides the critical services that uninsured, pregnant women need to maintain their own health and ensure healthy births."

In conjunction with Lane County Public Health, the PHMG Prenatal Clinic offers free prenatal care and support services for nearly 300 uninsured, low-income pregnant women who would otherwise not be able to access medical care.

Recent studies indicate that pregnant women who have healthy gums have less risk of pre-term birth. "The PHMG Prenatal Clinic is very grateful to LifeWise for recognizing how tremendously important dental health is, especially during pregnancy. The grant will be used to improve the dental health for our patients. Dental health contributes to better pregnancy outcomes and has the potential to enhance family health and quality of life over the baby's entire life span," explained Susy Tibbitts-Hernandez R.N., B.S.N., I.B.C.L.C., Maternity Case Manager and Lactation Consultant with PHMG Prenatal Clinic.

LifeWise representatives will deliver funds to the Clinic on Friday, Nov. 10 at 1:00 p.m. during a tour of the Prenatal Clinic located inside the PHMG Downtown Clinic at 1162 Willamette. Members of the media are invited to the Prenatal Clinic to learn more about the grant and how dental health can affect pregnancy. Cindy Hunter, Certified Nurse Midwife, will be available for interviews as will Prenatal Clinic and LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon representatives.

LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon is a member of a family of companies with operations in Portland and Bend, Oregon; Mountlake Terrace and Spokane, Washington; Anchorage, Alaska; and Scottsdale, Arizona. LifeWise and its affiliates employ about 3,000 people and provide health-care coverage and related services to 1.5 million subscribers and their families.

Source: Business Wire

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