Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Announces Nearly $1.2M Partnership with March of Dimes for Local Maternal Healthcare Initiatives

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

CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (Meridian), a leading managed care organization in Illinois and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) company, today announced a $1,185,000 partnership with March of Dimes, the nation's leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies. The multiyear partnership will expand access to maternal and infant health services and resources for moms-to-be and babies across Chicagoland.

Funding will support community events and $1,100,000 of the award will help grow March of Dimes Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center™ program, which is focused on reducing preventable maternal health risks and improving birth outcomes through culturally responsive services. The new mobile unit will be deployed for programming in early 2027.

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 Illinois, March of Dimes reports that in 2024, 1 in 12 babies (8.6% of live births) were low birthweight. In Chicago, 1 in 10 babies (10.0% of live births) were born preterm in 2024.

"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 (Orland Park) event in June, and two Pregnancy and Community Wellness Events in Chicago in June and August. This year, this partnership hosted a Pregnancy and Community Wellness Event in May at Chicago Heights, which provided health screenings, fresh groceries, diapers and wipes, and educational resources.

"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 Illinois  
Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and its family of health plans provide government-sponsored managed care to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs. This includes Meridian's Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid plans, and YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois. YouthCare is a specialized program designed to address the healthcare needs of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) youth in out-of-home placement and former youth in care. Meridian connects members to care and offers comprehensive services to support lifelong health and wellness. Meridian is a company of Centene, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Learn more at ILmeridian.com.   

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.

SOURCE Meridian of Illinois