RVBH presenting ‘Finding the Way Through’

Note:

This article was originally published in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer on Jan. 11, 2025. View here.

In an effort to bring more awareness to aspects of maternal health and to provide the community with resources, RiverValley Behavioral Health (RVBH) is hosting “Finding the Way Through” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, at RiverValley Center in the old Cigar Factory Mall Complex, 1100 Walnut St., in the RiverValley Center Conference Hall.

Karyleen Irizarry, the senior director of community health and forensics with RVBH, said the informational session is designed to help increase awareness surrounding maternal health, and to help members of the community, along with possible partnering agencies, to access resources that are available in the community.

“We want to focus on providing a more compassionate and informational approach to maternal healthcare,” said Irizarry, who is also a member of the Maternal Health Council. “There are many situations and factors that can affect a pregnancy, and we want expecting moms to know that information and resources are available to support them.”

Irizarry said that some of the aspects of maternal health that will be covered in the informational session include how to have, and maintain a healthy pregnancy through a focus on nutrition and prenatal care.

Along with providing resources for mothers dealing with substance abuse during pregnancy, there will be access support for infertility and a lost pregnancy.

Lunch will be available during the information session and giveaways will be presented as well.

“We will also have an opportunity for moms to connect with various community resources,” Irizarry said. “Those presenting information are professionals in the area of maternal health, and the services provided by the community.”

Irizarry said that RVBH has presented similar information to the community in the past, but this is the first presentation of “Finding the Way Through.”

“We want moms to know that they aren’t alone on this pregnancy journey, and that there are organizations devoted to assisting and supporting moms through their pregnancies,” she said.

Irizarry said that moms in this area are faced with higher odds of pregnancy loss.

“And a lot of that is due to a lack of education for new moms and the occurrence of substance abuse,” she said.

RVBH opened The Crowne, located on Second Street in downtown Owensboro, in the winter of 2023. The space acts as a community resource center and provides access to information and support from two groups focused on maternal health, Kentucky Moms — Maternal Assistance Towards Recovery (MATR) and Roses for Moms.

MATR is designed to support expecting mothers and new mothers in creating safe and healthy environments for, not only their babies, but also for themselves and their entire families. The organization provides case management opportunities for expecting moms, helping them to navigate the process of finding safe and affordable housing, medical care, childcare, financial assistance and referrals to other community programs such as HANDS, WIC or any substance abuse treatment facility or programming.

MATR also provides workshops and informational sessions to moms on topics such as the importance of avoiding drugs, alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy, guidance on medication, supplements or household products which might benefit or hinder a pregnancy, ways to spot postpartum following the birth of the baby and creating a healthy and happy home environment for the new arrival.

Roses for Moms provides support to moms who might be navigating a difficult pregnancy journey by offering personalize support to meet the needs of mom, alongside a warm and nurturing environment focused on wellness and recovery. The program is available to all mothers regardless of financial need, employment status or lack of insurance.

Mindy Jones, who serves on the Maternal Health Council and acts as the mother baby nurse manager at Owensboro Health, said, “Maternal mental health is important for the community because this focus is not only on the mother herself but can impact the child or children as well. We are not only impacting the health of moms in the community but their children. This event will allow the community to ask questions to those who have been through these health struggles or worked with someone who has had maternal health struggles.”

More information about programs provide by RVBH can be found by visiting the organization’s website at rbvh.com.

Published on January 15, 2025