HLTH: Mark Edwards on Revolutionizing Reproductive Care: Expanding Contraceptive Access in Primary Healthcare
Contraceptive care is being integrated into primary healthcare to improve accessibility and support.
In this episode, Mark Edwards, co-founder and CEO of Upstream, explains that Upstream's mission is to ensure high-quality contraceptive services are accessible in primary care settings. This work addresses "contraceptive deserts" and supports clinicians in states with challenging reproductive health environments by training a wide range of healthcare providers. Mark highlights success stories in states with restricted abortion access, where healthcare organizations have expanded contraceptive offerings. He also explains how Upstream aims to assist providers in adopting contraceptive care as standard practice, making it possible for patients to receive immediate counseling and the method of choice during their visits.
Tune in to learn how Upstream is transforming contraceptive care in primary healthcare!
About Mark Edwards:
Mark Edwards is the co-founder and CEO of Upstream USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to contraceptive care in primary healthcare settings. Raised with a strong sense of opportunity, Mark's journey began with local anti-poverty work and the launch of a preschool program for homeless children. His commitment to social change led him to found Opportunity Nation, a bipartisan coalition focused on expanding economic mobility through federal policy reform. Inspired by the challenges faced by young people due to unplanned pregnancies, Mark co-founded Upstream USA to ensure that all women have same-day access to their preferred contraceptive methods. He is also a Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation entrepreneur, an Ashoka Fellow, and serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including the Barr Foundation.
Things You’ll Learn:
Upstream's mission is to integrate high-quality contraceptive care into primary healthcare, ensuring accessibility, particularly in underserved areas.
The organization addresses "contraceptive deserts" and supports clinicians in challenging reproductive health environments through tailored digital and in-person training.
Upstream provides customized training to fit the needs of individual healthcare organizations, enhancing their ability to offer contraceptive services.
Success stories highlight how healthcare organizations in states with restricted abortion access have expanded contraceptive offerings.
Upstream aims to expand nationwide, with a goal of providing services to health centers serving up to 5 million patients, encouraging organizations to prioritize this essential care.
Resources:
Connect with and follow Mark Edwards on LinkedIn.
Contact Upstream USA at info@upstream.org
