Quarter 3 | September 2023
Program Updates & Reminders
First Breath Spotlight: First Breath Program Graduate
"The first time I quit I found out I was pregnant – I quit cold turkey. This time around it was way harder than the first time though, so I’m not completely there. I’m almost there. The benefits I’ve noticed with cutting down are more energy and over all I’m just happier that I’m not doing it as much.
A couple things I think that will help others is:
  • To be around supportive people.
  • Keep going even though it’s really hard.
  • And snacks lots of snacks.
  • When reducing use, you can do things like not charge your e-cig or not buy one hit off of your friends’ devices.
  • Maybe go and get something lower in nicotine.
I’m quitting not only for myself but for my kids. I don’t want them to ever put something this bad in their bodies. I feel better, I feel like I can breathe better. There are always people you can reach out to. Always people in the same position – talk to someone it helps!!”
Ready to refer someone to
First Breath? 
Click the button to begin a referral.
Want to hear more First Breath participant stories?
Click the button to access our more graduate stories.
We look forward to working with you to support pregnant and parenting people and to improve maternal and child health in Wisconsin.
COMPLETE OUR
ONLINE TRAINING!
If you have not already completed since July 2022, we are asking all First Breath sites & referring staff to complete this 1-hour training.
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Do you submit First Breath Referrals via Fax? Our fax number has recently changed.
Our new FAX Number is 855.746.8502
Join Our Team!
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Do you know someone who might be a great fit for our team?
First Breath Maternal and Child Health Educator

Maternal & Child Health Educators (First Breath Quit Coaches) are part of a dynamic team of professionals working to implement the First Breath Program. They provide evidence-based tobacco treatment services and substance use early intervention services to pregnant, postpartum and caregiving individuals residing in Wisconsin.

Do you know a coworker, friend, or family member who would be great in this role? Share the job posting!
Well Badger Health Resource Specialist

First Breath's sister program at the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation (WWHF), the Well Badger Resource Center, is seeking a professional to join our team as a Health Resource Specialist. The Well Badger Resource Center is Wisconsin's one-stop connection to community, social, health, and government programs. Health Resource Specialists work with participants over the phone, text, email, and other channels, connecting them with the health and social services they need and deserve. They also contribute to the larger program as a team member offering one-on-one services as well as support resource management.
Program Utilization
Thank you for your support and utilization of the First Breath program. 
Below are reports reflecting First Breath data thus far in 2023 (1/1/2023-6/23/2023).

First Breath is now using data visualization to monitor program utilization and outcomes. Check it out below!
Stay up to date with Monthly, Site-Specific Progress Reports!

Use the button below
Interested in learning about First Breath's tobacco reach by county?

Use the button below
Congratulations to the First Breath sites with the highest number of referrals for pregnant and postpartum people year-to-date:

  1. Aurora Medical Group - Marinette - 27
  2. Columbia St. Mary's OBGYN Residency Clinic Women's Hospital - 26
  3. Beloit Health System - Beloit Clinic - 23
  4. Aurora Health Center - Oshkosh - 20
  5. Ascension St. Joseph Women's Outpatient Center - 18
  6. Milwaukee Women's Care Center - 16
  7. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan - 16
  8. UW Health 20 S. Park Clinic - 15
  9. Menominee Tribal Clinic - 11
  10. MHS Health Wisconsin - 11
News & Resources

Do you have a personal or professional interest in the benefits of clinical trials? Are you curious about the vital role of clinical trials in advancing pediatric research? Look no further! The Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation (WWHF) and the Clinical Trials Education Network of Wisconsin (CTEN) proudly present a unique webinar that delves into this crucial subject.

September 13, 2023
10 – 11 AM
Smoking Cessation Reimbursement Guidelines

Ever wonder if you can bill for smoking cessation services? The short answer is, yes, you can. The American Lung Association has a billing guide for tobacco screening and cessation. Interested in learning more, click the link below.
Women's Health Webinar Series

Using virtual platforms, WWHF's GrapeVine Program is providing a Women's Health Webinar Series. Interested? See what sessions are coming up (below)!
Thursday, September 7, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm
Topic: Change Your Diet Mindset: The Basics of a Health Eating Pattern

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
11:00am-12:00pm
Topic: Better Brain Health

Thursday, October 5, 2023
12:30pm-1:00pm
Topic: Navigating Breath Health: Breast Cancer Protection to Detection

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
1:00pm-2:00pm
Topic: Mental Health: What if we Talked About it?

Thursday, November 2, 2023
12:30pm-1:00pm
Topic: Better Sleep: What's Getting in the Way?

Tuesday, November 15, 2023
1:00pm-2:00pm
Topic: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
1:00pm-2:00pm
Topic: Bone Health: Healthy Bones, Healthy You

Tuesday, December 19, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm
Topic: Advance Care Planning: It's About the Conversation
Questions or Feedback?
We'd love to hear from you! Email to firstbreath@wwhf.org
First Breath is Wisconsin's program to help people make positive changes to their tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use during pregnancy & beyond.
First Breath is operated by the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation with funding from the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program & Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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