BabySTEPs Digital Helpline Launches in New York State with $300,000 Grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation

First-of-its-kind program supports pregnant and postpartum people struggling with substance use

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BabySTEPs, a groundbreaking digital helpline for pregnant and postpartum individuals facing substance use challenges, has launched in New York state. The pioneering program was developed by Partnership to End Addiction with the support of a $300,000, three-year grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation. Reaching BabySTEPs is as simple as texting “BABY” to 55753, or “BEBE” to 55753 for support in Spanish.

Designed with input from participants, the program is specifically for low-income and minority communities. BabySTEPs offers confidential support via real-time text messaging with trained specialists. Participants will also receive personalized guidance and information about treatment and other resources through the BabySTEPs digital platform. This low-barrier model uses brief, evidence-based support to reduce the stigma and fear of seeking help during pregnancy and the postpartum period. By offering immediate, text-based support, BabySTEPs helps people get help sooner—improving outcomes and reducing the need for more intensive, higher-cost care later.

"The need for accessible, confidential support for pregnant and postpartum individuals navigating substance use is critical," said Sarah Dauber, Ph.D., vice president of research and evaluation at Partnership to End Addiction. "We are grateful for our collaboration with the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to launch the BabySTEPs helpline in New York. We ultimately hope to expand the program nationwide, reaching even more families to provide substance use support during this vulnerable stage."

The BabySTEPs program addresses a significant gap in care. Pregnant people and new mothers who use substances often face challenges in accessing treatment due to stigma and potential for negative consequences. This program is designed to break down those barriers, providing a mechanism for accessing support confidentially when people need it most.

“Anthem is committed to addressing the health disparities faced by underserved populations, and BabySTEPs aligns with our ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes,” said Dr. Christy Valentine Theard, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid and Medicare in NY. “By making support easier to access, we can help more pregnant and postpartum individuals get the care they need—improving outcomes for mothers and babies while helping prevent avoidable, higher-cost complications.”

The BabySTEPs program will be promoted in partnership with local healthcare providers, maternal health organizations, and community groups throughout New York, with a focus on reaching underserved populations in the following counties: Bronx, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.

BabySTEPs aims to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental evidence-based support and to increase awareness of available treatment resources, ensuring that more pregnant and postpartum people can access the help they need.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation

The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation. The Foundation works to address health equity by focusing on improving the health of the socially vulnerable through strategic partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal child health; mental health; and food as medicine. Additionally, the Foundation also responds to disasters when our communities need us the most. The Foundation coordinates the company’s year-round Dollars for Dollars program which provides a 100 percent match of associates’ donations, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross names and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. To learn more about the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and the Elevance Health Foundation, please visit https://www.elevancehealth.foundation/ and its blog at www.medium.com/elevancehealthfoundation.