Improving Maternal Care in Rural Wyoming: New Initiative from Blue Cross Blue Shield

A new statewide initiative aims to improve maternal healthcare access in Wyoming’s rural communities.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has launched Special Delivery, a program designed to offer comprehensive support for expecting and new mothers across the state.

The program includes the delivery of personalized prenatal vitamins via Perelel, virtual breastfeeding support, remote health monitoring for high-risk pregnancies through the Marani platform, and mental health services for mothers experiencing postpartum depression.

“We understand that pregnancy and postpartum care can be overwhelming — especially in areas with limited access to services,” said Dr. Lisa Brandes, medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. “This program is about more than just clinical care. It’s about ensuring Wyoming families feel supported, informed, and connected at every step.”

The Special Delivery program will be coordinated by Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Population Health Team, who will match participants with the level of care they need throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Other Health Developments Across Wyoming:

• Banner Wyoming Medical Center CEO Lance Porter was named among “Rural Hospital CEOs to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review. The hospital is also preparing for a seasonal rise in trauma cases due to increased outdoor and travel activities.

• Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County has welcomed orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Tristan Mele and re-elected CFO Tami Love as president of the Wyoming chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

• Cheyenne Regional Medical Center has been re-verified as a Level III trauma center and has again earned Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center — a distinction given to hospitals with outstanding nursing practices.

Statewide Health Data:

• Teen Vaping: Nearly 25% of Wyoming teens report using e-cigarettes, placing the state sixth nationally for teen vaping, according to ProVape using American Lung Association data.

• Cancer Rates: A study by Phillips Law Firm found breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Wyoming, though the state ranks 10th lowest in overall cancer rates.

• Emergency Room Wait Times: Wyoming has the second shortest ER wait times in the US, averaging just over two hours, according to data from The Schiller Kessler Group.

The original story by Allison Allsop at Casper Star-Tribune.