CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc. (UniCare) has received the NCQA Health Innovation Award for its SWAT H2O initiative.
This program ensures access to clean and safe drinking water across West Virginia. Access to clean, safe drinking water is crucial for good health.
Unfortunately, West Virginia has faced challenges in this area, which has resulted in serious health issues, especially among children, pregnant individuals, lower-income populations, and communities of color.
UniCare’s SWAT H2O initiative was launched in response to lead contamination in Harrison County’s water supply in August 2021. The initiative involves analyzing data, identifying health trends, and implementing targeted interventions to address the crisis.
UniCare’s SWAT H2O initiative not only focuses on immediate relief but also aims to find sustainable, long-term solutions through collaboration with local and state partners. The initiative includes organizing lead screening events, incentivizing participation, and providing education on lead exposure.
The program has already shown positive results, with an increase in lead screening tests in Harrison County and preliminary data indicating an increase in lead screenings in Mineral County. UniCare aims to expand the reach of the SWAT H2O initiative to ensure all West Virginians have access to safe drinking water.
