Foundation News
The Medical Center Expands Newborn Care & Safety Program with Kohl’s 2/15/2010
The Medical Center has expanded its obstetrics education class offerings for area residents with the help of Kohl’s Cares for Kids®. Because of Kohl’s support in the form of a $24,874 grant awarded to Commonwealth Health Foundation in October 2009, The Medical Center is extending the reach of Newborn Care and Safety classes for expectant parents.
Beginning this month, The Medical Center will offer Newborn Care and Safety classes at the Housing Authority on a monthly basis. The class teaches expectant parents essential skills that not only keep their baby healthy and safe, but also help parents feel confident and comfortable in caring for their newborn.
“In the Newborn Care and Safety class, parents learn everything from proper techniques for holding their baby to providing CPR in emergency situations,” said Amber Herman, OB Clinical Manager for The Medical Center. “While we typically have several thousand participants in our prenatal education classes every year, we know there is still a significant number of people we’re not reaching. By taking our classes to the Housing Authority, we’re able to help parents who may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in prenatal education.”
The classes will be taught at the Housing Authority Learning Center on the last Tuesday of every month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. All classes are offered free of charge, and the first class takes place on February 23. The Kohl’s grant also funds the purchase of safety tote bags for expectant parents who take part in the Newborn Care and Safety class. The tote bags, which include items such as a DNA identification kit, bath water temperature tester, infant CPR memo board, and baby safety gift set, are provided to parents at no cost.
The Medical Center and Kohl’s first partnered in 2006, and since then, Kohl’s has donated more than $74,000 to benefit children’s health initiatives in the community. With the grant money, The Medical Center has constructed two community walking trails at local elementary schools, and this is the second year to utilize the grant for expectant parents and their newborns.
Kohl's commitment to Commonwealth Health Foundation and The Medical Center is made possible through the Kohl's Cares for Kids philanthropic initiative. Kohl’s Cares for Kids includes a merchandise program featuring $5 books and plush toys where 100% of net profits go toward supporting hospital partnerships like this one. Through 2008, Kohl's has raised more than $126 million dollars through its merchandise program. Other components of Kohl's Cares for Kids include Kohl's A-Team associate volunteer program; the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program, recognizing stand-out kids for volunteer efforts in their communities; and fundraising gift cards for local schools and nonprofit organizations.
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800 Park Street