MAKING AN IMPACT
Partnering With the Local Hospital to Meet Needs A little over one year ago, my boss and I visited the North Georgia Pregnancy Center to find out what type of services they offered to the community. We had no idea how they would help one of the patients in the near future. After several meetings, Pat, Robie, and I developed a plan that would help those who came to the center for education through their “Earn While You Learn” video program. It would also refer them to our Early Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Lactation classes. These classes are offered free of charge each month here at the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Women’s Center. The classes also provide a nurturing atmosphere where the participants could ask questions freely among other pregnant women or one-on-one with me. The Pregnancy Center then provided class participants with a certificate that allowed them to get items they need from the Angel Baby Boutique. They have also provided diaper bags full of baby items to give out as a drawing prize for all my classes.
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The ultimate gift of love came from the North Georgia Pregnancy Center when we had a teenager deliver with us who had only been in the country for a few weeks. Her mother did not speak any English, but we were able to communicate with her through her 10-year-old brother. After a brief conversation, we determined this family had nothing for this baby and had no money to purchase anything. One phone call to Pat and this family had everything it could possibly need for this baby. She went in and opened the baby store so this family could gather items for the baby at no cost. And I don’t mean just small things. Bigger things like a crib, stroller, walker – anything that a baby could possibly need – was given to her. The center even put her in touch with another pregnancy center in Ellijay that had someone who spoke her language. Working together, we all provided this young mother with the tools, supplies, and encouragement she needed to be a good mom. And will do the same for many more in the future. – By Pamela Hayes, BSN, CCE, Women's Center Educator, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital
