Health Education at Sstarbirth Student Presenters: Darcy Broughton Lauren Goddard

The Sstarbirth Program Live-in facility for women recovering from chemical dependency during pregnancy and post-partum period Program of Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR), a non- profit health care and social service agency funded primarily by the State of Rhode Island Program mission “to improve the physical health and reduce substance abuse among mothers and children to promote safe and healthy pregnancies, improve family functioning and to reunite families.” Up to 14 women stay a minimum of 9-12 months

Our Goals Conduct four workshops providing essential health information Cover topics that the women themselves believe are most relevant and important Desired outcomes: –Increased knowledge of selected health topics –Improved capacity for self-care and self-advocacy in the healthcare system –For ourselves: gaining a personal understanding of issues affecting mothers with chemical dependency

Child Development Milestones according to age, from birth to age 5 –Potty training –Walking and other motor skills –Language development Growth charts Common developmental concerns for parents of young children

First Aid and Home Safety How to treat minor injuries at home Recognizing severe symptoms that warrant medical attention Child-proofing the home Common household hazards Fire safety plans

Child Health 101 Common childhood illnesses –Respiratory infections –GI illnesses Vaccination How to treat a sick child at home When to seek medical attention Antibiotic abuse

Childhood and Post-partum Nutrition Eat a rainbow! Quick, tasty, inexpensive ideas for cooking at home Instilling good eating habits early Serving sizes Breast-feeding Post-partum fitness

What We Learned The relationship between Sstarbirth and Brown Medical School is sustainable Patients are more complex than any group identity would let on! Within any patient population, there will be a wide range of health knowledge and resources “Breaking bread” together helps build relationships The women were a lot of fun!