The MolinaCares Accord Awards $45,000 in Grants to Three YMCAs to Expand Maternal Health and Diabetes Prevention Programs

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 28, 2026 – The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Missouri (“Molina”) announced $45,000 in grants to support programming for three YMCAs throughout the state. The grant will expand maternal health programming at the YMCA of Southeast Missouri and the YMCA of St. Joseph, and diabetes prevention education and resources at the Gateway Region YMCA.

Across Missouri, over 40% of counties are classified as maternity are deserts, disproportionately affecting families living in rural parts of the state.  Rural areas also face higher prevalence of chronic disease, with the rate of diabetes nearly 20% higher than the statewide average.

“Too many women in rural Missouri face barriers to the maternal health care they need, and that can lead to serious consequences,” said Tammy Killin, CEO of the YMCA of St. Joseph.

“With support from Molina, our YMCA is able to provide tailored support and programs that address the needs of our local communities. These classes give mothers a place to monitor their health, learn about infant care, and how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression.”

Molina’s grant will allow YMCA of St. Joseph and YMCA of Southeast Missouri to incorporate “Nurture and Bloom” classes, a program including 12-week prenatal and 12-week postpartum programming that combines exercise, health education, and emotional support to improve maternal health outcomes. Funding for the Gateway Region YMCA will create two cohorts for the Diabetes Prevention Program, a 12-month, 26-session program for adults at high risk of developing the condition. Participants will receive group coaching, lifestyle and nutrition education, and ongoing support to increase physical activity.

“Local organizations play a vital role in improving the health and wellness of our communities,” said Jay Ludlam, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Missouri. “We are proud to partner with YMCAs across Missouri to expand access to maternal health education and diabetes prevention programs that help families lead healthier lives.”

The grant is part of Molina’s Advancing Health: Powered by Local Partnerships initiative, which invests in community-based organizations that remove barriers to care and improve health outcomes.

###

About The MolinaCares Accord

Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.

About Molina Healthcare

Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed healthcare services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.