Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services to Hold Free Annual ‘Right from the Start’ Maternal Health Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 10

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 5, 2024

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will host its free annual “Right from the Start” maternal health resource fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring.

Organized by DHHS's Babies Born Healthy program for the African American Health Program (AAHP), Early Childhood Services and the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program, the fair focuses on supporting Black children and families from preconception through early childhood.

The “Right from the Start” event is free, but online registration is required. Holy Cross Hospital is located at 1500 Forest Glen Rd.

Coinciding with National Breastfeeding Month, the event will cover topics such as breastfeeding, preconception, prenatal health, community support for families, doula support, developmental milestones and mental health.

In 2022, Black/African American births accounted for 35 percent of fetal and infant losses despite representing only 21 percent of all births in the County.

“Prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Infants who do not receive proper prenatal care are three times more likely to be born with low birth weight and five times more likely to die in their first year. I urge pregnant women and those considering pregnancy, especially Black women, to attend this event and learn how to give their baby a healthy start.”

Nina Ashford, DHHS chief of public health services, will deliver the opening welcome. Other speakers will include:

• Kisha Davis, Montgomery County health officer
• Barbara Harrison, Howard University College of Medicine
• Tiffaney Mills, Milestones
• Whitney Dula, Babies Born Healthy program, DHHS
• Crystal Trent Paultre, Babies Born Healthy program, DHHS
• Karen Bernal, Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program, DHHS
• Jennifer Whitehead Smith, Kennedy Krieger Institute

“Every baby deserves to be born healthy,” said Ms. Davis. “While our community has made progress in reducing health disparities faced by Black mothers, more work remains to be done. Our hope is that this event will raise greater awareness and advocacy within our communities so that we can continue to positively impact the health of our families.”

Event highlights include activities for kids, prizes and giveaways and complimentary refreshments.

The Babies Born Healthy program works to decrease disparities and reduce infant mortality among babies born to Black/African American women by providing care coordination services to help at-risk pregnant women connect with resources and to help them stay healthy through their pregnancies. For more information, visit the DHHS website.

The AAHP is one of DHHS’ three minority health programs. It works to eliminate health disparities and improve the number and quality of years of life for Black/African Americans and people of African descent. For more information, visit the AAHP website.

Early Childhood-Child Care Support Services connects comprehensive services that support and build a successful child care delivery system through coaching, consultation, professional development and individualized support. For more information, visit their website here.

The Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program works to increase healthy pregnancy outcomes and address related racial disparities by improving healthcare systems and community resources.

For more information or to get help registering, call 240-777-3118.

#  #  #

Release ID: 24-353
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Health