Grant Expands Telehealth Maternal Care

(Jefferson City, MO) The Missouri Foundation for Health has provided funding to support delivery of approximately 3,600 comprehensive blood pressure cuff kits to new and expecting mothers at-risk for hypertension and preeclampsia in pregnancy. Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, can have a devastating effect on both mother and baby. Preeclampsia, a condition signaled by high blood pressure, is the leading cause of maternal mortality — occurring in one in every 25 pregnancies.

The funding will help implement The Preeclampsia Foundation’s The Cuff Kit™ Project in Missouri and will be implemented by the Missouri Hospital Association in close alignment with its Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy Collaborative and the Maternal-Child Learning and Action Network.

Each blood pressure kit includes an arm or wrist blood pressure device and batteries. Patients are provided educational tools including videos, apps and printed educational materials; a “still at risk” education and bracelet for postpartum women; a tracking log; and a survey for program feedback. The kit allows patients to use a reliable, at-home tracking device for real-time reporting of blood-pressure levels to help caregivers make informed decisions — even through virtual visits.

Missouri has significant maternal health disparities related to income and geography. The Cuff Kit™ Project will provide resources for high-risk, low-resource women while reducing the influence of COVID-19 on maternal health.