They say raising a child takes a village—which is why, on June 13, Temple Health partnered with State Senator Sharif Street to welcome new and expecting mothers and their families to our third annual Community Baby Shower. This free event was a chance for members of our community to interact with clinicians, professional caregivers, and service agencies; to obtain information about what to expect during and post-pregnancy; and to get the essentials they need to give their babies a healthy start in life.
At the event, which had almost 500 attendees, Temple Health team members provided parents with resources and education, and advised them on when to see their prenatal care provider, pediatrician, or other clinician. Our Financial Services team offered counseling and connected families with healthcare coverage. The over 50 local organizations present handed out diapers and other necessities, provided art therapy for children and parents, and helped refer attendees to important community resources that can help families enjoy a safe start to parenthood.
“We also provided free portable bassinets and one-on-one education to 125 families, teaching them about safe infant sleep,” says Kim Hanson, BSN, MHA, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, VP and Chief Nursing Officer of the Temple Women & Families Campus. “Temple Health is committed to working with all of our partners to advance the health of women, infants, and children, which is the foundation for improving health outcomes in our entire community. That’s why we’re so proud to be opening our new Women & Families Campus, which will be the region’s only hospital exclusively dedicated to caring for women and babies.”
One of the most common health issues expecting mothers face is preeclampsia, which is why our Community Health Workers were on-hand to offer screenings for the condition. “Preeclampsia in African American women is a major concern, and can cause complications during pregnancy,” Lakisha Sturgis, RN, BSN, MPH, CPHQ, Director of Community Care Management for Population Health, told attendees. “My team is here to screen for high blood pressure and provide valuable education.”
New and expecting parents also had a chance to speak with clinicians and representatives from community groups. “In addition to Temple Health providers, we invited local doula organizations; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); health insurance companies; and utilities companies,” says Aliya Khabir, Marketing Manager for Community Health. “Attendees had the opportunity to talk to doctors, nurses, and the people who work at resource offices: the people who have an impact on their lives. They had the chance to be heard, and that’s what’s important. Everyone wants to be heard.”
