Atrium Health are hosting a conference to highlight the experience of Perinatal Loss. The conference is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about perinatal loss and ways to support families and caregivers. It is especially relevant for healthcare professionals who work with perinatal loss, such as nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, counselors, therapists, and educators.
Black Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from August 25- August 31. It was created to highlight disparities in breastfeeding rates among Black women and raise awareness of challenges unique to the Black community. The week aims to expand understanding and appreciation of the vital impact that breastfeeding has on improving the health of Black infants, mothers, and birthing people, while also reducing infant mortality rates within the Black community. Follow the links below for more information or to learn about a Region III resource supporting Black breastfeeding mothers: Queen City Cocoa Beans.
The Gaston County First Annual Health Equity Summit:
Black Maternal Health
85 people attended the first Health Equity Summit organized by the Gaston County Health Department and the City of Gastonia. Krystle White of the Health Department and Cherie Jzar from the City pulled together a planning team that included members of the Gaston County Perinatal Equity Coalition. Attendees included a group of OB nurses from CaroMont Regional Medical Center.
The day featured health equity leaders who discussed the history of inequitable healthcare for Black women, current regional data and strategies to improve perinatal outcomes for Black birthing people. The Region III OB Champion, Dr. Pamela Cobb served on a discussion panel. Funds from the Region III grant helped to sponsor the event.
ATRIUM HEALTH NORTH PARK
UNVEILS MURAL
Atrium Health North Park revealed a beautiful mural painted in their Centering Pregnancy room. Dr. Pamela Cobb our MHI OB Champion leads the Centering care provided at North Park. The mural is a colorful silhouette of a pregnant woman who thrives and blossoms with the support and connections found in Centering.
The mural was painted by Maria Napier, a Colombian-American self-taught artist based in Charlotte. The project was supported by the City of Charlotte and the Infusion Fund.
REGION III NURSE CHAMPION PRESENTS AT AWHONN
Karen Clark, the Region III Perinatal Nurse Champion recently presented at a breakout session at the AWHONN national conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The topic was Postpartum Hemorrhage Escape Rooms, More Than Just Simulation, More Learning, More Fun. Karen shared how she developed the Escape Rooms that have been presented at many facilities in our region and gave tips for nurse educators who want to create similar learning opportunities at their facility.
Perinatal Pearls:
Did you know that women with perinatal depression have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in middle adulthood? It is important to assure a smooth transition to primary care to enable early identification and treatment of cardiovascular symptoms.
The UNC Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health offers virtual Maternal Health Training Courses. They are free and some offer contact hours. Some of the available courses are listed to the right.
Caring for Caregivers: Strategies for Nurse Leaders Addressing Staff Burnout
Prioritizing Black Maternal Health: Learning from the Knowledge of the Expert
Medicaid Expansion: Overview for Postpartum and Maternal Health Care
Maternal Warning Signs Training for Communities and Families
The Dignity for Women Who Are Incarcerated Act and Incarcerated Women's Health
Providing Care to Incarcerated Training for North Carolina Healthcare Professionals
Just Us:Before, Birth and Beyond Podcast
Raising awareness about perinatal and community health in NC. Can be accessed through Apple, Spotify and Google Play.
The NCDHHS Division of Public Health provides free education publications. You can download and print your own or order copies. Topics include preconception health, family planning, birth control methods, breastfeeding, STIs, checking your blood pressure at home, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and postpartum care. Use the link below for more information.
The Maternal Health grant from the NC Department of Health and Human Services funds local physician and nurse champions who work to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in North Carolina through collaborative efforts with providers and birthing facilities.
OB Physician Champion: Dr. Pamela Cobb
Family Practice Physician Champion: Dr. Taiwona Elliott
Pediatric Champion: Dr. Candace Howell
Perinatal Nurse Champion: Karen Clark MSN, RNC
Questions? Or need more information; use the link below.
“This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $10,216,885 with 0% percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.”
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