Purpose: The purpose of the Mother Baby Wellness Coalition of Pima County is to create collaborative partnerships and improve the health and safety of mothers, babies and families through education.
We do this by:

• Ensuring babies are born healthy and raised in a safe and nurturing environment.
• Educating and encouraging healthy choices.
• Serving as a strong voice for change.
• Promoting equal access to quality health care.
• Eliminating health disparities among residents of Pima County.
• Achieving cultural competence and respecting diversity.

Present: Teri Benitez, NMC; Laura Pederson, Heather Friedman, Allysa Hammett and Ceit Chesser, Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services (TOPS); Carolyn Matthiasson and CC Malkin, Heartsounds; Mother and Infant Care; Eileen Rayman, doula: Kerrie Green, Healthy Families; Anita Gallardo UOA Mobile Health; Elaine Gallardo, Easter Seals/Blake Foundation

Announcements:

Carolyn M: Love in Bloom and Heartsounds has received $1000 donation and needs $3000 more to get matching grant donation.

C.C.: Postpartum doula and with Heartsounds. Nanny agency is doing well. She has partnered with A-Z Baby to provide parenting classes. She commented dads need more support than is available for them at present.

Laura P.: Federal project to prevent 2nd pregnancies is under way.

Kerrie G.: Healthy Families is currently working on Perinatal Mood Disorders.

Eileen R.: A breech client was able to deliver vaginally an 8 pound 12 ounce baby 1 week late.

Teri B.: Northwest Medical Center will start offering an evening Breastfeeding support group in January on Wednesday nights from 6 to 7:30.

Anita G: Is now working for Walgreen Take Care Clinic. The mobile health program is still looking for a FNP. Grand Canyon University Nurse practitioner students need opportunities for experience in Women’s Health.

Minutes of the September Meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: As of September 23, there is $720.54 in our bank account.

Old Business: No discussion

New Business: Presentation given by Elaine Gallardo from Easter Seals, Smart Support program, on Autism. The power point is on the web site (motherbabypima.org)

Next Meeting: January 27th, 2012, 8:30 – 10 a.m. No topic at this time. Any suggestions?
Meetings are held at TOPS: 3024 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.
Respectfully submitted, Teri Benitez