Month: June 2026

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., June 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Aetna Better Health of Missouri, a CVS Health company (NYSE: CVS), today announced a new collaboration with community-focused organizations to improve maternal health and women’s health outcomes in rural Missouri. Through a $720,000 commitment made by Aetna via the Global Mobile Healthcare Research Consortium (GMHRC), the initiative will bring mobile women’s care services and connection to maternal health services directly to communities in Southeast Missouri.

Access to maternity care remains a pressing challenge in rural areas. According to March of Dimes, access to care during pregnancy and around the time of birth is not consistently available across the country. In Missouri, 11.2% of babies were born to women living in rural counties, yet only 3.7% of maternity care providers practice in those areas. This disparity underscores the need for innovative, community-based solutions.

To help address these gaps, Aetna Better Health of Missouri is collaborating with the GMHRC, a nonprofit organization supported by Mission Mobile Medical, a provider of mobile health care solutions, and Missouri Highlands Health Care, a Community Health Center (CHC), to launch and operate a mobile health unit. The clinic will deliver women’s care services and connection to prenatal, postpartum, primary care and maternal mental health services to communities facing barriers to care. The clinic will be staffed by a health care provider and deliver services to all members of the community, regardless of insurance status.

“This collaboration represents an important step toward ensuring that all women, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality maternal health services,” said Lisa Baird, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Missouri. “By bringing care directly into rural communities, we’re helping remove barriers and creating healthier futures for mothers and their babies.”

The initiative will kick off with a ribbon cutting event today at Missouri Highlands Health Care in Poplar Bluff. The event is open to community leaders and will feature tours of the clinic.

The mobile clinic will begin scheduling patients in the community on June 29, 2026 at a launch event located at Town and Country Grocery in Piedmont. The launch event will be open to the public and attendees will have the opportunity to tour the clinic and receive educational materials focused on women’s, maternal and mental health.

The mobile clinic will regularly visit 10 locations over the next year across areas served by Missouri Highlands Health Care in Southeast Missouri. Site selection will be guided by data related to maternal health care needs, access barriers and community capacity. More information is available on the Missouri Highlands Health Care website.

“At Missouri Highlands Health Care, we see firsthand the challenges rural families face in accessing timely maternal care,” said Karen R. White, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care. “This mobile unit allows us to meet patients where they are, expanding access to essential primary, prenatal, postpartum and behavioral health services and strengthening continuity of care across the communities we serve.”

“This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing health care challenges facing rural communities,” said Maria Victoria Ferraris, Executive Director of the Global Mobile Healthcare Research Consortium. “By combining resources, expertise and community insight, we can expand access to essential maternal care and improve outcomes for families across Missouri.”

Aetna Better Health of Missouri remains committed to collaborating with local organizations to strengthen health care access where it is needed most.

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About Aetna Medicaid

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of Medicaid members, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve members in 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com. 

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

About the Global Mobile Healthcare Research Consortium (GMHRC)

The Global Mobile Healthcare Research Consortium is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mobile healthcare delivery through research, program design, and community partnership. Supported by Mission Mobile Medical, the GMHRC brings together clinical experts, researchers, and community health organizations to develop evidence-based mobile health programs that expand access to care in underserved and rural communities across the United States and globally.

Media contact

Monica Prinzing
Monica.Prinzing@CVSHealth.com

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Forty-seven percent of Americans are unfamiliar with grasslands—one of the nation’s most essential and most threatened ecosystems, according to new national survey findings released by the America’s Grasslands Coalition. However, after completing the survey, more than two-thirds ranked grasslands as one of the top three most important ecosystems. The America’s Grasslands Coalition sees this as a promising sign that increasing appreciation and awareness of America’s grasslands is the key to catalyzing conservation action. The results are part of a nationally representative survey conducted by GlobeScan during April 16-28, 2026, with a sample size of 2,014.

A foundation of biodiversity and rural livelihoods, grasslands play a vital role in supporting wildlife, storing carbon, sustaining food systems, and maintaining ecosystem balance. U.S. Grasslands, including savannahs and shrublands, currently cover nearly 1 million square miles. And yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate, with only about half of the country’s historic grasslands remaining. This decline threatens wildlife, rural economies, and climate resilience.

Key findings

• Awareness of grasslands remains low: Only 16% of surveyed Americans say they have a significant or a lot of knowledge about grasslands, while nearly half (47%) claim having little or no knowledge.
• Perceived importance rises with awareness: At the beginning of the survey, only 31% of respondents place grasslands among the top three most important ecosystems, which makes grasslands’ overall importance-ranking fall behind freshwater (69%), forests (61%), and oceans (45%). By the end, after learning more, 68% of respondents rank grasslands as one of the top three most important ecosystems.
• Need for conservation is underestimated: Only 24% of respondents identify grasslands as one of the top three most threatened, placing them near the bottom among all ecosystems.
• Strong support for conservation: 71% are likely to support grasslands conservation. 47% think the future of grasslands affects them personally and 58% believe their actions can make a difference in protecting grasslands.

“Grasslands are among America’s largest natural habitats, supporting wildlife, food systems, and communities across the country, but too few Americans realize how important they are,” said Martha Kauffman, vice president of WWF’s Great Plains Program. “The encouraging news is that people are ready to act once they make that connection.”

In response, leading conservation organizations have formed the America’s Grasslands Coalition, with 10 partners leading the US Grasslands Campaign to elevate grasslands as a national conservation priority. This public awareness campaign, with multiple waves during this summer and next year, aims to increase public understanding of grasslands and build nationwide support for their conservation.

“As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this is a moment to recognize the landscapes that have shaped the nation,” said Ginette Hemley, senior vice president of wildlife conservation at WWF. “From iconic species like bison to the communities that depend on them, grasslands are part of that heritage—and protecting them is part of our shared future.”

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Additional Member Quotes:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

“Grasslands are essential for all of us, from the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the wildlife we enjoy. Grasslands are part of the heart of our country and core to our lives. However, birds and other wildlife are declining at alarming rates and our rural communities are disappearing. This public campaign shows that when people understand grasslands, they value them—we now have an opportunity to translate that awareness into meaningful conservation action that supports cultures, livelihoods, wildlife, and people.” 

– Tammy VerCauteren, Executive Director, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

 

Borderlands Restoration Network

“Borderlands Restoration Network is thrilled to join the America’s Grasslands Coalition for the conservation of our beloved native grasslands. We protect and restore the binational, biologically significant Sky Islands region and reconnect communities to the land through shared learning. Here, our expansive native grasslands are fundamental, serving as the connective tissue of the region, allowing jaguars and black bears to move and thrive alongside hardworking rural communities.”

– Rodrigo Sierra Corona, Executive Director, Borderlands Restoration Network

 

Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance

“Grasslands are more than open spaces on a map. For many Native Nations, these landscapes are ancestral homelands that hold deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance. They are living, breathing, ecosystems that are intertwined with our cultures, histories, and ways of being. These survey results give me hope that, by raising awareness about grasslands, more people will be inspired to help and support conservation efforts that will ensure future generations can learn from and enjoy these landscapes as well.”

– Antonio ‘Tony’ Morsette (Citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe), Land Conservation Program Officer, Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance

 

Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative

“This campaign reinforces what many of us working across North America’s grasslands have long understood: when people understand the importance of grasslands, they want to see them conserved. From supporting agricultural livelihoods and rural communities to sustaining wildlife and strengthening ecosystem resilience, grasslands deliver benefits that touch all of our lives. The US Grasslands campaign is helping build a broader constituency for these landscapes and creating momentum for the collaborative conservation action needed to secure their future.”

– Maggie Hanna, Director, Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

 

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

“Grasslands are home to some of the fastest-declining bird species in the United States. Increasing public awareness of grasslands is essential to mobilizing the science, policy, and conservation action needed to reverse these trends.”

– John Bowman, Director, Center for Conservation Media, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

 

National Audubon Society

“This survey sends a clear message: when people learn about grasslands, they recognize their importance for birds, people, and the planet. Now is the time to build on that awareness. Public understanding is the foundation for the policies, partnerships, and stewardship practices needed to conserve grasslands and support the wildlife and communities that depend on them.”

– Marshall Johnson, Chief Conservation Officer, National Audubon Society

 

National Wildlife Federation 

“Healthy grasslands are essential for wildlife and people alike, yet these vital ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate. The US Grasslands Campaign will serve a vital role in elevating the importance of grasslands and drawing attention to the need for increased investment in and conservation of these landscapes.”

– Aviva Glaser, senior director for agriculture policy, National Wildlife Federation

 

Southeastern Grasslands Institute

“The Southeast is home to some of the most biodiverse grasslands in the world, yet they have often been forgotten and are under-protected. This research highlights the power of awareness to drive conservation and the importance of recognizing grasslands in every region.”

– Dwayne Estes and Theo Witsell, co-founders, Southeastern Grasslands Institute

 

The Nature Conservancy

“Grasslands are at the core of America’s cultural identity and are home to iconic species of wildlife. But they are increasingly at risk. We must take bold steps to conserve and enhance our grasslands so that nature and people thrive.”

– Brian Obermeyer, Great Plains Grasslands Strategy Director, The Nature Conservancy

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About the survey
The survey was conducted by GlobeScan, an independent consultancy, during April 16-28, 2026. A total of 2,014 respondents were surveyed across the United States. The sample is nationally representative, with quotas aligned to U.S. population distributions by age, gender, education level, and state.

 

About the America’s Grasslands Coalition
The America’s Grasslands Coalition was established in 2023 as a collaboration to elevate the importance of grasslands. Ten organizations within the Coalition are leading the US Grasslands Campaign, supported by a broader network of members and partners aligned with this effort. The Coalition will continue to grow as additional organizations formally join and contribute resources to this work. Current organizations involved in the US Grasslands Campaign include:

• Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
• Borderlands Restoration Network
• Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance
• Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• National Audubon Society
• National Wildlife Federation
• Southeastern Grasslands Institute
• The Nature Conservancy

• World Wildlife Fund

   

Media contact:
Lorin Hancock

Lorin.Hancock@wwfus.org

The Atlantic may be seeing a weaker hurricane season than in previous years, but the Americas are bracing for a different kind of threat. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, issued an El Niño advisory on June 11, with forecasters predicting a 63% chance of sea surface temperatures exceeding averages even more this Fall, to create a “very strong” or Super El Niño. The weather phenomenon occurs when temperatures are warmer than usual in the equatorial Pacific for several consecutive months.

While El Niño conditions will likely translate to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, it also acts as a chief indicator of long-lived and potentially severe thunderstorms, as well as the possibility for extreme drought in some areas. With extreme weather on the horizon, medical professionals and weather officials are warning the public about severe flooding, extreme heat, and grave health implications for vulnerable populations.

Direct Relief spoke with Dr. Ronaldo Similox, a health provider in Guatemala, who has already experienced flooding this year. Similox leads the Guatemalan-based NGO Fundación Margarita Valiente, which receives medical support from Direct Relief, and has been working to provide patient care even during extreme weather events.

Here are some of the key impacts that could create health risks this year:

Possible Increased Flooding and Coastal Erosion

Data compiled by Direct Relief’s Data, Metrics, and Impact team highlights specific regions facing the highest threats from the current El Niño cycle. The heightened temperatures driven by this pattern could easily make 2026 and 2027 the warmest years on record.

Regions facing the greatest risk of flooding and coastal erosion include California, the U.S. South, and Southeastern South America. Additionally, NOAA officials reported that heavy rainstorms could originate in the Gulf of the Americas (the Gulf of Mexico) in June and July, with torrential rain expected to fall rapidly, heightening the likelihood of roadway washouts and landslides.

Potential Spikes in Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Diseases

The drastic shifts in weather could cause torrential rains and flooding, and in those areas, water supplies can quickly become compromised.

Dr. Similox of the Guatemalan-based NGO Fundación Margarita Valiente notes that this is particularly dangerous for communities that rely on traditional infrastructure. He warned that there is a high chance of gastrointestinal diseases that spread through consumption of contaminated water, noting that the Mayan people, who predominantly reside in rural areas as agricultural workers, have traditionally relied on well water.

Thriving Environments for Vector-Borne Illnesses

Stagnant water combined with warmer temperatures can create ideal conditions for the proliferation of mosquitoes, drastically increasing the risk for conditions like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. According to Dr. Similox, these vector-borne diseases are likely to increase as river waters decrease and become stagnant, leaving vulnerable populations highly exposed as mosquitoes thrive in areas with still water and high temperatures.

Severe Malnutrition and Crop Failure in Dry Corridors

El Niño doesn’t just cause flooding; it can also drive extreme drought in specific geographic zones. Parts of Guatemala are heavily affected by the Dry Corridor, a strip of land across several Central American countries vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Dr. Similox explained that the dual drought-related health threats facing this region are those of respiratory illnesses as well as malnutrition. Because the agricultural community will be subject to drier conditions, respiratory conditions could be aggravated through air pollution and dust. The arid conditions along the strip can also ruin crops and create a scarcity of food. Dr. Similox stated that malnutrition is a top concern among the most vulnerable parts of the population: children, pregnant women, and older adults.

Dangerous Inland Flooding

Many people associate tropical weather damage strictly with coastlines, but weather data shows that inland cities are often the hardest hit. The last below-normal Atlantic hurricane season occurred in 2015 (also an El Niño year), which brought record rainfall, tornadoes, hailstorms, and record-high temperatures to cities across the United States.

For 2026, NOAA officials shared caution for inland cities along the mid-Atlantic and northeastern parts of the United States. CONRED, Guatemala’s risk management organization, has similarly warned its residents of June flood-like conditions affecting roadways.

Ken Graham, Director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, stressed during a May 2026 press conference that more than half of storm deaths are caused by inland flooding, noting that people frequently underestimate the power of moving water. “If you live in a flood zone, be prepared for the evacuation plan. Six inches of fast-moving water will knock you off your feet. Twelve inches will carry your car away,” he said.

The Critical Forgotten Danger: Medication Scarcity

One of the most overlooked health risks during a weather-related evacuation is the sudden loss of access to life-saving prescription medications. When forced to leave their homes quickly, many individuals fail to pack a sufficient supply of their daily medical necessities.

Graham warned that preparedness is key, as flood conditions are likely over the next few months, leaving many people unprepared to evacuate for a week at a time. Reflecting on recent disasters, including Hurricane Helene, which saw extreme inland flooding, Graham shared a vital reminder for anyone living in a high-risk weather zone. “The last winter storm event really opened my eyes on something. There were a lot of fatalities of people who didn’t account for medicines,” he said. “We have to remind people over and over that you’re not going to have access to those things for a week at a time or more after a storm.”

Direct Relief operates a hurricane preparedness program that prepositions caches of essential medications, including those needed to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. These caches are placed in storm-prone communities throughout the U.S. Gulf and East Coasts, Caribbean, Central American, and parts of the Pacific.

The organization will continue to respond to health needs resulting from extreme weather events around the world.