THE MEADOWLARK MODEL OF CARE

Participation in The Meadowlark Initiative® supports prenatal care clinics in implementing a new model of care tailored to meet each community’s needs and available resources. The Meadowlark model of care integrates behavioral health into prenatal and postpartum care and coordinates patient care and community resources for patients and families.

• All patients are universally screened for anxiety, depression, substance use, and needs related to the social determinants of health.
• If a patient has a positive screen or requests additional support, a behavioral health provider is available to meet, assess the issue, and initiate any needed treatment, generally during the same visit.
• If any social needs are identified – like access to safe housing, affordable food, or reliable transportation – the care coordinator will work with trusted local and state organizations to navigate each patient to available resources.
• When concerns that might impact the health and safety of the mom or newborn are identified, care coordinators use the Meadowlark Family Plan of Safe Care to keep patients and families engaged in care and create a collaborative plan to address those issues.

This innovative model helps prenatal care providers better address the behavioral health and social issues that contribute to poor pregnancy and postpartum outcomes.

BENEFITS OF THE MEADOWLARK MODEL OF CARE

Organizations participating in The Meadowlark Initiative® have shown what a powerful difference they can make for Montana families. A recent evaluation of the initiative showed that Meadowlark sites have:

• A higher-than-average percentage of women receiving adequate prenatal care
• A lower-than-average percentage of premature births
• A decrease in infant removals
• An increase in universal screening for depression and substance use disorders

The Montana Healthcare Foundation provides grant funding and technical assistance for prenatal care clinics to develop an integrated, comprehensive program for pregnant women and families so their physical, mental, and social health needs can be met in one place. The Meadowlark model of care emphasizes a culture of care and trust that supports the best outcomes for moms and their babies.

Funding to join The Meadowlark Initiative® is available to at least one prenatal practice in each Montana community with a hospital that delivers babies. Prenatal care providers who see Medicaid patients, including family practitioners, obstetricians, midwives, and rural hospitals, are encouraged to apply.

All grant applications are by invitation only.