An Open Letter: Protecting Medicaid Means Protecting Mecklenburg Families

By Jasmine Mix, M.Ed, Executive Director, Mind Body Baby NC

To our Mecklenburg County community,

Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the incredible strength and resilience of parents and caregivers across our county. At Mind Body Baby NC, we see firsthand how access to care—especially through Medicaid—can change lives. Medicaid isn’t just a health program. For many families, it’s the bridge to stability, safety, and the chance to build a healthy start for their children.

That’s why I am deeply concerned about the proposed $700 billion in cuts to Medicaid currently being discussed in Congress. While these reductions may not explicitly target pregnant women or children, the reality is that a cut of this magnitude would impact every corner of our community. It would shift enormous costs to North Carolina and force hard choices about which programs and services can continue.

Here in Mecklenburg County, we’ve made incredible progress. With the state’s recent Medicaid expansion, more families than ever before have access to preventive care, maternal health support, and early intervention services. This progress has allowed programs like our Community Doula Program—now in partnership with Healthy Blue and Nurse-Family Partnership—to flourish.

Our doulas walk alongside parents through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. They provide emotional support, advocate for equitable care, and help families navigate the challenges of early parenthood. Research shows that having a doula can lower the risk of complications, reduce preterm births, and improve overall birth experiences.

But here’s the truth: Participants in our Community Doula Program depend on Medicaid coverage. It’s often the only way families can access these essential supports. When Medicaid is threatened, so are the programs that keep families healthy and strong.

Protecting Medicaid isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a moral one. It’s about valuing the well-being of every mother, every baby, and every family who calls Mecklenburg County home.

So today, I’m asking you to stand with us:

• Contact your elected officials and urge them to oppose cuts to Medicaid funding.

• Support local initiatives like our Community Doula Program by sharing our mission and getting involved.

• Spread awareness about how Medicaid sustains real families and strengthens our entire community.

When we protect Medicaid, we protect families. When we protect families, we protect the future of Mecklenburg County.

With gratitude and determination,

Jasmine Mix, M.Ed

Executive Director, Mind Body Baby NC

www.mindbodybabync.org