Peter Head, President of the Kiwanis Club of Brockport visited Oak Orchard Health (OOH) on July 11 to make a $1,000 donation to the new Mommy and Me Program. This program co-founded by Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Pediatrician, Chief Medical Officer, and Robin Govanlu, LMHC, LAC, LPC, Director of Behavioral Health, is designed to support moms/primary caregivers and babies together in achieving optimal maternal and child health. The data shows that one in seven women experience postpartum depression or anxiety (according to Postpartum Support International).
“The Kiwanis Club of Brockport looks for opportunities to help families in our community. The Mommy and Me Program addresses a critical need in our area. Our Club has always had a close relationship with Oak Orchard Health. We believe our missions are similar – supporting children and keeping everyone healthy,” said Peter Head, President of Kiwanis in Brockport.
The Mommy and Me Program is an innovative approach to improve child health outcomes in our region, and not only that but to also improve maternal health outcomes, with special attention to mental health in the postpartum period.
All moms/primary caregivers and babies of Oak Orchard Health are automatically enrolled in the program, from birth up to 5 years of age. In addition, some of the benefits of the program include enrollment in the WIC program and access to the Diaper Bank. “As of the beginning of this year, 65 families were added to the WIC program who otherwise would not have had any way to get that service,” said Dr. Danielle Mead, Chief Medical Officer.
Oak Orchard Care Managers are assigned to each mother to be evaluated for postpartum depression and anxiety, and then they are referred to one of OOH’s behavioral health counselors specializing in perinatal mental health. “Mom’s mental health is so important to the whole family and we’re taking care of it in the early stages. Parents are very grateful for this service,” said Robin Govanlu, LMHC, LAC, LPC, Director of Behavioral Health.
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