NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Delta Population Health Institute (DPHI)launched its latest program to help new and expectant mothers.
The DPHI, which serves as NYITCOM at A-State’s community engagement arm, is hosting Maternal Health Learning and Care Communities in three East Arkansas communities this summer. The first took place on May 9 in Forrest City with 14 participants, six of which are currently pregnant. Events are also planned for Marked Tree and Marvell-Elaine.
Two sessions are held at each location, and physicians cover prenatal care, nutrition, labor and delivery, postpartum health, mental wellness, and newborn care.
Participants receive a $50 gift card as an incentive for attending, along with access to car seats, pack ‘n plays, breast pumps, and blood pressure monitoring devices.
“All too often, these mothers don’t have the resources to purchase basic items they need to keep their child safe,” Tiffny Calloway, DPHI’s director of operations, said. “That’s why programs like these are so important, and we’re humbled at the opportunity to lead them.”
In addition to helping new and expectant mothers, the program serves as an educational experience for NYITCOM at A-State medical students. As part of the school’s population health program, medical students assist in the creation of the curriculum for the events and help conduct the health screenings.
Peer support and community building are also key aspects of the program. The DPHI employs a “Community Champion of Health” in each location where the program is held, and those staffers maintain contact with participants between sessions and at the conclusion of the program.
For dates of upcoming events and for registration information, email deltaphi@nyit.edu or call (870) 680-8829.