May 11-17 is Women’s Health Week! Research shows the health of a woman before and between pregnancy impacts not only birth outcomes, but also the long-term health and development of her children and family. Home visitors play an important role in ensuring women have access to ongoing health care, as well as address risks like tobacco use and unplanned pregnancy. The Florida MIECHV initiative is focusing on improving four key indicators of women’s health: tobacco use, regular consumption of a multivitamin or folate, pregnancy spacing and health insurance coverage. Local implementation sites are providing education and support to mothers enrolled in their home visiting programs. Resources for promoting women’s health are available from the federal Office of Women’s Health, the CDC’s Show Your Love campaign and EveryWoman Southeast.
By carol