The Sampson County Health Department is pleased to announce a new program that provides services to pregnant women, Pregnancy Care Management Services, also referred to as OBCM. The Program was developed by the North Carolina Division of Public Health and the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance. It is designed to assist Medicaid-eligible pregnant women who have high risk factors achieve a healthier pregnancy. The Pregnancy Care Management – OBCM – Program is similar to and replaces the previous Maternal Care Coordination Program. The OBCM Program and staff are located at and may be contacted at the Sampson County Health Department.

The risk factors the Pregnancy Care Management Program targets are associated high risk and/or difficult pregnancies. These factors may include:

• A history of preterm birth

• A history of low birth weight in the infant

• Multiple gestation, such as twins or triplets

• Complications with the unborn baby

• Chronic medical conditions which may complicate pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, Diabetes, Asthma or a History of Pre-eclampsia

• Unsafe living environment (homelessness, inadequate housing, domestic violence or abuse)

• Substance Use

• Tobacco Use

• Missing two or more prenatal appointments without rescheduling

• Inappropriate/multiple use of hospital services

OBCM Program services are available to any Medicaid-eligible pregnant woman that lives in Sampson County and has one or more identified risk factors, regardless of where she goes for prenatal care. Pregnancy Care Management staff receive referrals and contact the person for follow-up. Any medical provider or agency that works with pregnant women can refer clients. Clients that have any of the above risk factors above and are interested in the program can also contact the Pregnancy Care Management staff.

OBCM Program staff provides the following services:

• Follow-ups on compliance with prenatal care issues and other clinical needs

• Works with OB Providers and others who provide services to the pregnant woman to make sure everyone is aware of her concerns and status.

• Provides education regarding: the need to keep all prenatal-related appointments; understanding and following the OB provider’s instructions; and the importance of getting postpartum care.

• Arranges/assists with the transition from the OB Provider to a primary care medical home as needed for the woman after delivery if she remains or becomes eligible for Medicaid after the postpartum period.

The Pregnancy Care Management staff also offers assistance with the 17P treatment program, a series of weekly injections offered to women who have had previous preterm labor and/or deliveries to help prevent preterm labor or delivery with the current pregnancy. Services provided include:

• Educating the client/family on the 17P injection program and its purpose

• Assisting the patient in arranging to receive 17P injections and follow up when an injection is missed

If you: are a Medical Provider and would like to refer a client; are a pregnant woman with any of the above mentioned risk factors; know someone that may qualify for the program; or would like more information on the Pregnancy Care Management Program, please call the Sampson County Health Department at 910-592-1131, ext. 4973, 4230, 4969 or 4237.