PITTSBORO — Starting Nov. 15, the Chatham County Public Health Department will no longer provide Care Management for At-Risk Children (CMARC) and Care Management for High-Risk Pregnancies (CMHRP) services. The programs will still be available to Chatham County residents through their Medicaid Health Plan.
“We have been exploring this transition for the past three years. With Medicaid Managed Care beginning this past July, the timing is appropriate for us to move forward,” said Chatham County Public Health Director Mike Zelek. “While these services will continue to be provided to residents through Medicaid Health Plans, this transition will allow us to focus on other important services for moms, babies, and families in Chatham County.”
The CMARC program coordinates services between clients, health care providers, and community services for at-risk children ages 0-5. The CMHRP program provides care management to Medicaid-eligible pregnant women who may be at risk for adverse birth outcomes. Care managers have reached out to clients to notify them of this change and ensure they are connected to these services offered by their Medicaid Health Plan. Clients were also sent notification letters earlier this month.
While the health department will no longer be providing these services, it will be adding and growing services to support moms, babies and families like home visits for newborns and new moms and car seat checks, along with strengthening resources for those who struggle with mental health and substance use challenges. More on those programs will be shared in the near future.
“The Chatham County Public Health Department is excited to pilot public health social worker roles within the community,” said Julie Goodwin, RN, Public Health Nurse Supervisor. “This shift will allow us to serve county residents regardless of medical insurance status and continue our focus on health equity for all. We are fortunate to have two Licensed Clinical Social Workers on our team who are rooted in this community and possess a strong ongoing commitment to the health and safety of Chatham County families.”
For any questions related to this transition, please call 919-742-5641 and ask to speak with a public health social worker. To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/publichealth, or Like the CCPHD page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chathamhealth.