| |
|
|
Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is the state’s
largest birthing hospital, and it plays a unique role in developing
and implementing innovative women’s health programs.
Women’s health is viewed as more than a service of primary,
obstetric, and specialty care for women’s reproductive
health and other medical problems, but also as a way to ensure
healthy families and thus healthy communities. Women from
low-income neighborhoods who are also disadvantaged by their
educational status, language, employment and economic status,
immigrant status, or race, face significant barriers to maintaining
their health and that of their families. Promoting programs
that improve the health of women through health, social support,
educational opportunities, and employment fosters healthier
families and healthier communities.
In the high-need communities of Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Dorchester,
and Mattapan, health care professionals supported by BWH and
Partners work to prevent infant deaths and improve the health
of poor women by addressing the social and medical needs of
pregnant women and their children. Caregivers ensure that
pregnant women have access to regular prenatal care, proper
nutrition, interpreter services, and culturally sensitive
care. They help women apply for Medicaid and housing assistance,
as well as, mental health and social services, including protection
from domestic abusers.
In Revere, Massachusetts General Hospital and Partners support
the Healthy Steps program which ensures that first time parents
have routine, frequent contact with health care professionals
who help encourage healthy development in children up to age
five. In Chelsea, a home visiting paraprofessional nurse helps
at-risk mothers and babies stay healthy.
© Copyright 2007 Partners HealthCare System, Inc.
|
|
