Missouri has made notable progress in addressing maternal mental health challenges, according to the 2026 maternal mental health report cards, which assess 27 indicators across four key areas: screening and identification, access to providers and treatment, policy and reimbursement, and parental support services.

"Although significant work remains, Missouri's transition from a failing grade to a passing evaluation in maternal mental health support marks a major achievement," said Dr. Kimberly Brandt, a perinatal psychiatrist at Mercy. "As Missouri's largest provider of obstetric care by volume, Mercy has played an important role in driving this positive momentum."

A number of innovative programs developed by Mercy, which combine behavioral health and women's healthcare services, have contributed to the state's improved outcomes. These initiatives include:

"Mercy delivers more babies in Missouri than any other healthcare system, and we recognize our responsibility to support women throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, especially when they are most vulnerable," said Dr. Dan Jackson, a maternal-fetal medicine physician and addiction medicine specialist at Mercy.

Mercy Hospital St. Louis records the highest number of births among hospitals in Missouri. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of maternal and neonatal services, from low-intervention birthing options and adult intensive care for unexpected complications to an integrated children's hospital featuring a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. This extensive continuum of care enables families to remain together while receiving specialized treatment.

Mercy is among the 15 largest healthcare systems in the United States and has been recognized by NRC Health as the nation's leading large health system for patient experience. The organization provides care to millions of patients annually and operates one of the country's largest and highest-performing Accountable Care Organizations in terms of quality and cost efficiency.

Mercy's integrated, multi-state healthcare network includes 55 acute care and specialty hospitals focused on areas such as cardiac care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and rehabilitation, along with urgent care centers, imaging facilities, pharmacies, and more than 1,000 physician practices and outpatient locations. Supported by over 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 caregivers, Mercy serves communities across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, while also maintaining clinics, outpatient services, and outreach programs in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. During fiscal year 2025, Mercy contributed more than $500 million in free care and community benefits, including charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid services.

OrthoLoneStar (OLS), recognized as Texas’s largest independent orthopedic practice, has unveiled a new statewide program designed to enhance referral management across its network. The initiative aims to help patients reach appropriate orthopedic specialists faster while improving collaboration and communication with referring healthcare providers at every stage of the referral journey.

This program reflects OLS’s ongoing focus on improving access to orthopedic services for patients, employers, and medical professionals throughout Texas. Through the optimization of referral processes across its divisions, the organization seeks to minimize appointment delays, streamline scheduling, and provide a more coordinated experience from referral submission to initial consultation.

The initiative was first introduced through QuickOrtho, OLS’s employer-focused care program, and has since expanded to include workers’ compensation referrals. Future phases will extend support to primary care referrals and additional referral pathways across the state.
“Patients deserve a clear and efficient path from referral to treatment,” said Tanner Sloan, Chief Operating Officer of Texas Orthopedics, an OLS division.

“We are focused on connecting individuals with the most appropriate orthopedic specialists as quickly as possible while ensuring referring providers remain informed throughout the process.”

According to Anthony Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of OrthoLoneStar, the organization remains committed to delivering high-quality orthopedic care within the communities it serves. As OLS continues its expansion across Texas, it is investing in the technology, processes, and coordination necessary to simplify access to care for both patients and healthcare partners.

To facilitate the initiative, OLS has adopted referral management solutions from Hatch, enabling greater consistency in referral intake and coordination across its various divisions.

The program forms part of OLS’s broader strategy to strengthen shared infrastructure and operational integration within its physician-led network as it continues to grow its presence throughout Texas.

“OrthoLoneStar is demonstrating how large-scale healthcare organizations can improve patient access,” said Chris Poole, CEO of Hatch. “Enhancing referral workflows helps reduce waiting times and enables patients to receive the care they need more efficiently.”