Celebrating Mothers on May 10
On Mother's Day we celebrate and honor moms and moms-to-be, grandmothers and aunts, sisters and the special women in our lives, biological and otherwise. We know time spent with family is probably most important to mom. Right now, it may not be possible for us to be together physically, so a phone call or video call may have to suffice to celebrate the women in our lives and say we love you.
Healthy Women Houston embraces Mother's Day to celebrate with you and your loved ones. We continue to enroll women while staying in touch with our members, offering both health and social support services. Our community clinic partners – Avenue 360 Health and Wellness and HOPE Clinic – continue to see patients in-person and with telemedicine visits. Both clinics are accepting new OB patients.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
|
|
Supporting Women in the Hospital Stay
At this time, many hospitals are allowing one support person to be with a woman during the delivery and postpartum period and have implemented a universal screening process for patients and caregivers. We can still be an advocate for the woman even though we may not be physically present:
1. Have her feel empowered and in control: make sure she has a written list of questions she can ask the hospital staff.
2. Help her prepare for virtual support: make sure video devices are charged and the charging cables are packed to allow family members and others who cannot be there physically be present on video.
3. Encourage her to advocate for herself: make sure she knows she should be watching out for her health and asking for all the things she needs.
March of Dimes has modified their birth plan template to account for these changes. We encourage women to keep in touch with their medical provider, as policies may shift day-to-day.
|
|
|
Agency Spotlight: Community Health Choice
Healthy Women Houston is a collaboration among seven agencies committed to improving maternal health in Harris County: Avenue 360 Health & Wellness, Community Health Choice, The Council on Recovery, Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, HOPE Clinic, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
As a local nonprofit health plan, Community Health Choice gives you plenty of reasons to join our community, from the benefits and special programs we offer to the how the Member Services team helps you make the most of them. Community is always working life forward for you and your family. Our members are our friends and neighbors. Community is truly pleased to connect you to the best, most affordable health care and resources – not just when you’re sick but to make sure you stay healthy as well. We’re all in this life together.
|
|
Healthy Women Houston Partner Spotlight: Crystal Valliar
Crystal Vallair is a Community Health Worker Manager with Avenue 360 Health & Wellness Center. She develops and maintains a service program sufficiently flexible and dynamic to meet the needs of the underserved and economically disadvantaged populations particularly those who are impacted by HIV/AIDS and/or other chronic conditions. Crystal focuses on improving the health of underserved mothers and women of childbearing age. Additionally, she provides community outreach and promotes primary prevention and access to health care services.
Currently, Crystal is the Vice Chair of the Texas Gulf Coast CHW/ Promotores Association and actively serves on the Board Policies & Nomination and Finance committees and chairs the Events and Conference Planning committees. She also provides governing and fiscal oversight as an executive board member for Texas AHEC East – Coastal Region.
Her professional development has led her to attain certifications as a Community Health Worker, Diabetes Educator, and Nurturing Parenting instructor. She received both her Bachelor and Master degrees in Community Health from Prairie View A&M. In addition to providing health services to the community, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.
|
|
|
Virtual Mama Circles
Every Thursday at 1 p.m.
Virtual Mama Circles allow expectant and current mamas to connect virtually with a community of other mamas. We will connect, encourage and support each other on Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m. Share your perspective, knowledge, recommendations and experience as we discuss various aspects of life as it relates to motherhood. All mamas are welcome! RSVP, and we'll send you the Zoom login information. Coming soon: Spanish Virtual Mama Circles.
|
|
Free Birth Preparation Class
Healthy Women Houston, along with our partners Avenue 360 Health & Wellness and Memorial Hermann Health System, is pleased to bring free birth preparation classes for pregnant women led by Debbie Lopez, RN. During the hour-long session, held at Avenue 360 South Central, 4405 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77021, learn how to prepare for pregnancy and delivery at the hospital and what to expect afterwards. You'll hear what to expect at the hospital, from checking-in to being transferred to a postpartum room after delivery, as well as ways to breastfeed and when to use formula.
The next class takes place on May 19 at 10 a.m. To adhere to current social distancing guidelines, we ask that you please RSVP to info@healthywomenhouston.org.
|
|
Houston COVID-19 Experience Survey
The University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality's COVID-19 Experience Study documents the radical transformations in work experience created by the pandemic as well as challenges in such realms as childcare/homeschooling, food access, relationships, business, health and mental health, in order to help shape local response in the next phases.
The survey is available in both English and Spanish, will take approximately 30 minutes, and is open through May 13. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Gregory.
|
|
|
|
