and smoking cessation .”
For mothers who would like to try breastfeeding , HAPI offers education and consultation with certified lactation counselors . Womeldorff said this aspect of the program has shown success by increasing initiated breastfeeding rates from 59.7 % in 2017 to 76.6 % in 2022 .
In partnership with the WVU School of Dentistry , the program also emphasizes oral healthcare by encouraging mothers , fathers , and their children to visit a dentist . After a checkup , each family member receives a Sonicare toothbrush .
“ We provide education around the impact of poor oral health and pregnancy because there is an association between periodontal infection and low birth rate and preterm birth ,” Womeldorff said . “ We ’ re trying to improve our birth outcomes by keeping everybody ’ s mouth healthy .”
A fatherhood coordinator is also available to offer guidance on parenthood engagement and employment and relationship goals .
The program ’ s successes aren ’ t measured only in health and parenting outcomes but also in the impact they ’ ve made on clients ’ perspective for helping others .
Dr . Rawan El-Amin , DO , MPH , HAPI ’ s principal investigator , gained insight into the program while completing her practicum for a Master of Public Health degree at WVU prior to completing her medical training .
“ HAPI is a great bridge between medical and social / community -based services ,” El-Amin said . “ This funding is critical to continuing our efforts of raising awareness and coordinating treatment of important conditions in pregnancy and the postpartum period . We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to care for our West Virginia families .”
The WV Healthy Start / HAPI Project is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration , the Maternal and Child Health Bureau Division of Healthy Start , and Perinatal Services and is integrated with the state supported program , Right From The Start .
Image : In partnership with local organizations , the WVU-led West Virginia Healthy Start / Helping Appalachian Parents and Infants project will extend its reach to 11 counties . The program serves communities with high infant mortality rates .
Drug or Alcohol Problem ? Mental Illness ?
ALL CALLS are CONFIDENTIAL
West Virginia Medical Professionals Health Program 4013 Buckhannon Pike Mount Clare , WV 26408
If you have a drug or alcohol problem , or are suffering from a mental illness , you can get help by contacting the West Virginia Medical Professionals Health Program . Information about physician ’ s , podiatrist ’ s and physician assistant ’ s participation in the program is confidential . These practitioners entering the program as self-referrals without a complaint filed against them may remain confidential and are not reported to their licensing board .
( 304 ) 933-1030 | www . wvmphp . org
West Virginia Medical Journal • September 2024 • 31