Harris County Public Health’s newly established Maternal & Child Health program. It is a free program designed to improve maternal and child outcomes in Harris County. MCH is open to Harris County residents who are pregnant, have given birth within the past 12 months, or experienced pregnancy lost within the past 12 months. The target population for this year’s MCH cohort is primarily Black/African-American women/birthing people, though no one in need of services is turned away. The program offers in-person support for up to three years, and its services include pregnancy support, care guidance for mother and baby, food assistance, job placement, and help with job skills for any members of the household. If needed, help is also available for mental health, housing/shelter, and overcoming addiction. Help with accessing items such as diapers, car seats, and strollers is also available. Please feel free to share about the program throughout your network—a flyer and referral form are attached. Also, if you have any pertinent upcoming events that our outreach team would be welcome to attend, please let me know! Kind regards, Amber Jolla Preferred contact number: 504-810-1485 #teenpregnancy #teenpregnancy #HarrisCounty (fb)

As a teen parent educator, the primary outcome I was working towards was empowering pregnant middle school and high school students with the necessary resources, support, and mental health counseling to ensure their well-being, educational success, and future prospects. Importance: This outcome was important for several reasons: Student Well-being: It was crucial for the well-being of the pregnant students themselves. Providing them with resources and mental health counseling helped reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges associated with teen pregnancy. Academic Success: Ensuring these students could continue their education was vital. Many might have otherwise dropped out due to pregnancy-related challenges. By providing support, we aimed to help them stay in school and complete their education. Future Opportunities: Equipping teen parents with resources and counseling opened doors to better future opportunities for them and their children. It broke the cycle of disadvantage and gave them a chance at a brighter future. Steps Taken: Assessment: We started by assessing the needs of each pregnant student. This involved confidential conversations to understand their unique challenges, including academic, emotional, and resource-related needs. Resource Provision: We connected students with essential resources such as prenatal care, childcare support, parenting classes, and financial assistance. This ensured their physical well-being and reduced stress. Mental Health Counseling: We provided access to mental health professionals who could offer counseling and support for the emotional challenges that often accompany teen pregnancy. Educational Support: To help students continue their education, we worked closely with their schools to arrange for flexible schedules, tutoring, and other academic accommodations. Community Engagement: We engaged with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of supporting pregnant teens and worked to reduce stigma associated with teen pregnancy. Outcome: The outcome of these efforts was multi-faceted: Improved Well-being: Many students reported reduced stress and improved emotional well-being with access to counseling and resources. Academic Success: A significant number of students were able to continue their education and even graduate from high school, defying the odds often stacked against teen parents. Enhanced Future Prospects: By providing support during a crucial period, we contributed to breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage for these young parents. Many went on to pursue higher education or gainful employment. Community Impact: Our efforts also had a broader community impact by raising awareness and fostering a more supportive environment for teen parents. In summary, the outcome I worked towards as a teen parent educator was to empower pregnant students with the resources and support needed for their well-being, academic success, and future opportunities. This was important not only for the individuals involved but also for the community and society at large. Through a systematic approach that included assessment, resource provision, mental health counseling, and community engagement, we achieved positive outcomes that helped these young parents overcome challenges and build brighter futures.#teenpregnancy#teenpregnancyawareness (fb)