Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Announces Nearly $1.2M Partnership with March of Dimes for Local Maternal Healthcare Initiatives
The funding includes $1,100,000 to expand March of Dimes' mobile maternal-health program.
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Rhea-AI Summary
Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, a Centene (CNC) company, announced a $1,185,000 multiyear maternal-health partnership with March of Dimes. The partnership is intended to expand access to maternal and infant health services across Chicagoland.
Funding will support community events, with $1,100,000 allocated to help grow March of Dimes' Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center program. A new mobile unit is scheduled for programming in early 2027. The collaboration began with three pop-up clinics and has expanded through virtual and in-person events.
Positive
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.The multiyear March of Dimes partnership aims to expand Meridian's maternal-health outreach across Chicagoland.
Negative
- Minor pointMeridian's funding commitment totals $1,185,000, including $1,100,000 for the mobile health program.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Funding will Support the Delivery of Medical Services, Resources, and Health Awareness for Moms-to-be through Community Events and a Newly Funded Mobile Unit
Funding will support community events and
The Meridian and March of Dimes partnership began with a pilot program where the organizations hosted three Mom and Baby pop-up clinics and grew through a series of events, both virtual and in-person, to increase access to care. In 2026, the pop-up clinics continue and coincide with community wellness events, focusing on maternal and infant health, with an upcoming event in Garfield Park on November 14.
The programs are designed to address a growing gap in access to quality care and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. In
"These statistics are the reason why Meridian is partnering with organizations like March of Dimes. At Meridian, we believe every mom and baby should have a healthy start," said Cristal Gary, Meridian Plan President and CEO. "Our efforts with March of Dimes will help new and expecting moms understand and identify maternal health risks. Early identification and treatment are critical components for healthy outcomes, which comes by connecting with these moms where they are."
With more than 290,000 deliveries supported each year, Centene is committed to leading efforts that improve maternal and infant health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure families have the care and support they need to thrive. In 2025, the first year of the partnership, Meridian and March of Dimes events included a virtual webinar in April on maternal health, prenatal care and doulas, the annual March for Babies – South Suburban (
"We envision a world where every mom and baby are healthy, regardless of their geography, race, gender or income, but unfortunately that is just not the case," says Ashley Thies, Senior Executive Director, March of Dimes. "Through partnerships like this with real community impact, we can move closer to closing the health equity gap in underserved communities, and ensure these families have access to the care they need and deserve."
To learn more about Meridian's community outreach efforts to help address health disparities, including maternal health initiatives, visit ILmeridian.com/IL-first.
About Meridian Health Plan of
Meridian Health Plan of
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. The organization supports research, education, and advocacy, and provides programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, March of Dimes has built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Follow on social at @marchofdimes.
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SOURCE Meridian of Illinois
FAQ
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How much is Meridian committing to its March of Dimes partnership?
Meridian's multiyear partnership totals $1,185,000. Funding supports community events and includes $1,100,000 to help grow March of Dimes' Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center program.
When will the new mobile unit funded by Meridian begin programming?
The new mobile unit is scheduled to begin programming in early 2027, as part of the partnership's effort to expand maternal and infant health services across Chicagoland.