Perinatal Care Network (PCN)

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Introduction & History

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The Perinatal Care Network (PCN) is a toll-free phone line (1-800-675-2229) that links families eligible for pregnancy-related Medi-Cal to care. PCN was created in the 1980s to decrease barriers that prevented women from accessing prenatal-related services. PCN works to assure that pregnant women obtain early, and continuous prenatal care and other services needed during pregnancy.

Goals

  • Increase access to and utilization of health, dental, and/or mental healthcare for women and children.
  • Increase access to and utilization of early and continuous quality prenatal care for pregnant women.
  • Increase the number of healthy mothers that have healthy babies.

About PCN

PCN is contracted to 2-1-1 San Diego to provide direct client services countywide. PCN functions as a successful public/private partnership collaborating with prenatal care providers, community organizations, interagency programs, and other health and social service organizations working to provide pregnant women with needed services and resources.

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Resources for New or Expectant Mothers 

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PCN is part of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) and is required by the following authorities: Health & Safety Code, Sections 123225-123255 and 123510; California Welfare and Institutions Code, Sections 14148.9-14148.9; U.S. Code of Regulations Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare; and California Code of Regulations Title 17, Public Health.

services

  • Assist with applications for pregnancy-related Medi-Cal or other healthcare coverage.
  • Link to prenatal care provider. Providers in the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) and other private providers and clinics accept patients referred by PCN. Several providers will see a pregnant woman before her Medi-Cal coverage is granted.
  • Help schedulethe first prenatal appointment.
  • Provide transportation assistance for prenatal care appointments.
  • Provide follow-up services for pregnant women to ensure that services were obtained.
  • Assist families needing health coverage and a medical home for baby.

PCN does not share client information without permission. For more information, call 1-800-675-2229.

referrals

Link to home visiting/family support programs, including:

  • Home Visiting Program - Public Health Nurses provide home visitation to support high-risk pregnant, postpartum, and first-time moms. Call 1-619-285-6480.
  • Black Infant Health (BIH) – Improves the health of African-American mothers and babies through prenatal and postpartum group and individualized support. 
  • First 5 First Steps – Supports parents in preparing for a new baby and offers practical parenting skills as children grow up.
  • Global Communities Healthy Start – Free prenatal and childbirth education, postpartum, and breastfeeding support with a focus on Black families in San Diego County. 

resources

Link to community services and resources, such as: 
 
  • MotherToBaby – Expert information about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Transportation for Medi-Cal Members - Medi-Cal offers assistance for beneficiaries who do not have transportation to and from appointments for services covered by Medi-Cal. Available in English only.
  • PCN Resource One-Pager - No-cost programs and resources to support you and your family. Available in English and Spanish.
  • Reproductive Services Resource List - Links to countywide prenatal care resources, including but not limited to family planning, pregnancy testing, health education, birth centers, adoption locations, and other resources and services. Available in English only.

PCN staff are available to provide virtual presentations to clinic staff and community organizations. 

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  • “Answered all of my questions and was very friendly.“
  • “They were able to answer my questions and provide resources for my medical needs.”
  • “With one call, I was able to get Medi-Cal application going and found a doctor for my prenatal care.”
  • “Helped me get seen by a doctor – if my friend was having medical problems, I’d recommend.”
  • “Me siento tranquila y escuchada con la informacion y atencion que me brindaron. Estuvieron al pendiente de mis necesidades y las opciones que me ofrecieron me ayudan a resolverlas. ¡Gracias!”
  • “Me gusto mucho la ayuda que recibí, porque yo no sabía mucho de lo que estoy pasando y me tuvo mucha paciencia al yo no saber sobre la situación."
  • "Como madre primeriza, me sentía perdida sin saber qué hacer. Gracias a su ayuda y orientación, todo salió bien."
  • "Gracias por referirme a programas de embarazo que han sido tan útiles."

Webpage was last updated on 12/13/2024