Wellstar Health System has partnered with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA) to provide maternal health resources in support of new mothers and birth givers in Georgia. Through Wellstar Community Health and the Wellstar Center for Health Equity, the partnership supports pregnant and postpartum birth givers and encourages positive maternal health and wellness by providing vital resources and education.
According to the 2019 HMHBGA State of the State Report, 58 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Georgia were preventable. Wellstar’s participation expands HMHBGA’s Pickles & Ice Cream perinatal care package project created to help address pregnancy mortality. Started in 2021, the Pickles & Ice Cream program through Wellstar plans to reach 150 birth givers a month.
The free care packages will include:
- A blood pressure monitoring system
- Breastfeeding book and journal
- Thermometer and probe cover
- Breastfeeding storage bags
- Compression stockings
Alongside these vital tools, educational information will include topics such as postpartum care planning and safe sleeping. As one of the key partners in this initiative, Wellstar will also distribute COVID-19 safety kits, including cloth masks, hand sanitizers, and informational materials to new mothers.
HMHBGA has impacted the health and well-being of women, children, and families for the past 48 years by supporting the community through direct services, advocacy, and community education.
The Wellstar Center for Health Equity is an extension of Wellstar’s long history of community engagement and allyship to provide people-centric care, and was formed to convene, activate, and support community partners and advocates to address, impact, and drive lasting change at a grassroots level.
Pregnant or postpartum moms, birth givers and organizations serving pregnant women may request a care package. For more information, please visit this link.