By MedStar Health
CLINTON, Md. — A first-time program aiming to significantly reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health is now available to patients in Prince George’s County. MedStar Health launched PG Healthy Start at the second-annual Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair held Saturday, April 12 at Clinton Baptist Church.
In Prince George’s, the maternal mortality rate is 50 percent above the national average and 40 percent above the average in Maryland. Currently, only about 55 percent of women in the county receive prenatal healthcare.
PG Healthy Start expands access to comprehensive healthcare, education, and support services to new and expecting families that enroll in the program through MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. Needs addressed during pregnancy and for up to two years postpartum include:
· Lactation consulting
· Postpartum care
· Safe sleep training
· Food and diaper insecurity
· Housing instability
· Utility assistance
· Transportation needs
· WIC and SNAP referral
· Family advocacy
· Support groups
· And much more
PG Healthy Start is not only for mothers, but also for fathers and caregivers who play important roles in raising a child.
“Statistics show that we need to do better for our new mothers and families in Prince George’s County,” said Dr. Stephen T. Michaels, FACHE, president of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. “As a healthcare leader in the county, we are leading the charge by launching PG Healthy Start; a remarkable program that aligns perfectly with MedStar Health’s mission of caring for our patients, those who care for them, and our communities.”
MedStar Southern Maryland enrolled dozens of new PG Healthy Start members at this year’s Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair, held in partnership between the hospital and Clinton Baptist. Hundreds of people joined this year’s fun and festive celebration of motherhood and parenthood, a strong follow-up to last year’s very successful inaugural event.
“Coming into this year, following the success of last year’s event, we are striving to do bigger and bigger things, offering more support for new and expecting parents,” said Pastor Colin Pugh II of Clinton Baptist Church. “Now with the PG Healthy Start Program, families have even more opportunities to connect with local organizations, explore baby essentials, and participate in valuable workshops. I am thankful for our partnership and am excited to serve and love our community with the love of Jesus Christ. We grow, we serve, we love!”
“We are so thrilled with the success of the Community Baby Shower, which was grown from the ground up through the passion and commitment of our Community Health team,” said Dr. Chile Ahaghotu, FACS, vice president of Medical Affairs at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. “We can’t wait to see where this event, this partnership, and the PG Healthy Start program goes in the future.”
At the shower, more than 30 non-profits and community organizations shared resources covering lactation support, health care, education, finances, relationship support, and more. Nurses from MedStar Southern Maryland conducted blood pressure screenings, blood sugar checks, and answered questions. In exchange for engaging with the available resources, guests received donated diapers, wipes, and other essentials at no cost. Larger items like pack and play cribs, strollers, and car sears were raffled off.
New this year, speakers representing PG Healthy Start partner organizations held Q&A sessions to share helpful advice about car seat safety, nutrition, and fatherhood support.
If you are a resident of Prince George’s or Waldorf and are interested in enrolling in PG Healthy Start, please contact PGHealthyStart@medstar.net or call 301-235-3410.