On June 28, 2013 the Clay County Health Department hosted a Right From The Start Baby Shower. Nearly 50 clients and their families attended the festivities. Right from the State is a state wide program that helps West Virginia mothers and their babies live healthier lives by offering home visitation services with a Designated Care Coordinator. Judith Buzzard, RN is the Clay County Health Dept. Designated Care Coordinator. The services are free and support mothers, their new babies, and their families by helping create a safe, nurturing home. The nurse discusses any questions and concerns you may have and helps you find the resources you need. The program helps you learn skills such as feeding, bathing, changing your baby, putting your baby down for sleep safely, good nutrition, where to get immunizations, and creating a positive and healthy family. The program gives information to new mothers on topics such as childbirth and labor, nutrition, body changes during pregnancy, quitting smoking, community support and resources, providing resources for mileage reimbursement for trips to and from medical appointments, helping find a place to live and finding baby care items. To be eligible for Right From the Start you need to be pregnant or have a child less than one year old, a resident of West Virginia, and have a current, active Medicaid Card or medical coverage through OMCFH.
There were several guest speakers. Representatives from Regional Right From The Start, Clay County Health Department, Parents as Teachers Program, Coventry Cares, WVU Extension, Unicare Health Plan and Clay County Family Resource Network. Education was provided about shaken baby syndrome, the period of purple crying, smoking cessation, health care plan choices, family planning and services provided from each individual organization.
A special thank you to Clay County Family Resource Network, Help Me Grow, and Christian Appalachian project for providing gifts for each attending client.
