August 26, 2011 Meeting Minutes

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 Pederseon and Heather Friedman, Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services (TOPS); Carolyn Matthiasson, Heartsounds; Mother and Infant Care; Nancy Tepper, Pima County Health Department; Eileen Rayman, doula: Kerrie Green, Healthy Families

Announcements:

Teri B.: Still looking for a Childbirth Educator.

Carolyn M.: Heartsounds has almost received their 5013C status which will help them be able to reach more women with their Doula services.

Laura P.: TOPS has expanded to Yavapai County and has a new Regional manager for that area. TOPS is attempting to start their Federal project

TOPS will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on September 24 with a Gala called Sequins and Spurs. Tickets are on sale for $50 which $27.50 of that is tax deductible. It has a western theme with a live band that plays all kinds of music. Your ticket includes dinner and 2 drinks. It will be held at St. Ann’s Chapel in the Tucson Country Club Estates. Items are still needed for their silent auction.

Heather F: Pima county Regional manager.

Nancy: Working for health department is seeing an increase in Guardisil vaccinations.

Kerrie: Healthy Families is expanding into Pinal County with a Federal contract.

Minutes of the June meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: As of August 26th, there is $702.24 in our bank account. The new brochures have been paid for and are available to anyone who desires to share them in the community.

Old Business: Discussion was had that the updated resource list is almost complete but needs to be reformatted to send to members to ID if all details are correct and our list is inclusive of resources available in our community. The volunteer has not been reimbursed. Laura or Heather will have a conversation with her to ask how she can be rewarded for the time she donated to this cause.

New Business: Presentation given on SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome

Speakers are needed for 2012. The group is asked to submit possible speakers (and their contact information) to Teri.

Next Meeting: September 23, 2011, 8:30 – 10 a.m. Meetings are held at TOPS: 3024 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.
Respectfully submitted,
Teri Benitez