Partnership expands access to potentially lifesaving education, helping mothers recognize dangerous pregnancy complications and seek timely care

One in 10 Florida births involves high blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition that can put mothers and babies at risk of serious complications. In 2025, nearly 2,500 delivery hospitalizations in Florida involved severe maternal complications. Yet a national survey released this year found that just 8 percent of expectant and new mothers could identify all the major warning signs of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that can develop during pregnancy or after childbirth. Awareness was even lower among first-time expectant mothers with lower incomes.

As part of its broader efforts to improve maternal health across Florida, Simply Healthcare is investing in the Preeclampsia Foundation's established education work to reach more women in underserved communities with information that could help them recognize symptoms and seek timely medical care.

"Preeclampsia can become life-threatening, and the danger does not necessarily end with childbirth," said Marc Kaprow, D.O., medical director for Simply Healthcare Plans. "Women can develop postpartum preeclampsia even after an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking prompt medical attention can make a critical difference. That is why we are supporting the Preeclampsia Foundation's work to reach mothers in their communities, where a conversation about symptoms could help save a life."

Beginning in Brevard County, the partnership will bring preeclampsia education to community baby showers for single mothers hosted by Discover Life, a multicultural church in Melbourne. Simply Healthcare's support will also fund patient focus groups to better understand mothers' needs, culturally appropriate educational materials and an "Event Box" toolkit that community advocates and local organizations can use to deliver preeclampsia education beyond individual events.

The initiative builds on the Foundation's established work educating patients and health care professionals about hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. By gathering feedback directly from mothers and equipping community partners with educational resources, the organizations aim to develop an approach that can reach women who may not receive this information through traditional health care settings.

"Knowing that preeclampsia exists is not the same as recognizing its symptoms or understanding that it could happen to you," said Eleni Tsigas, CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation. "We need to bring clear, understandable information directly to women in their communities. Our partnership with Simply Healthcare helps us listen to mothers, respond to their needs and expand the reach of potentially lifesaving education."

The partnership also aligns with From the Start, a statewide initiative led by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to improve maternal health outcomes. As part of Simply Healthcare's broader maternal health efforts, the investment will allow the Foundation to test and refine a community-led education model that other organizations could adopt, creating opportunities to reach more Florida mothers beyond the initial Brevard County outreach.

ABOUT SIMPLY HEALTHCARE PLANS

Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., is a Florida managed health care plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our health care providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their health care and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.

Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. is a Managed Care Plan with a Florida Medicaid Contract. For more information, contact the Managed Care Plan. Limitations, copayments, and/or restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change.

ABOUT THE PREECLAMPSIA FOUNDATION

The Preeclampsia Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2000 to improve the outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by educating, supporting, and engaging the community, improving healthcare practices, and accelerating research. We envision a world where preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy no longer threaten the lives of mothers and their babies. For more information, visit www.preeclampsia.org.

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One in 10 Florida births involves high blood pressure, yet a national survey found just 8% of expectant and new mothers can identify all the major warning signs of preeclampsia—a potentially life-threatening condition.