National Healthy Start Association

Did you know that according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease remains the greatest health threat to women, and that it is the leading cause of death for women (American Heart Association, 2024)? ?? High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.?More than 56 million women in the United States (44.3%) have high blood pressure (defined as 130/80 mm Hg or higher) or are taking blood pressure medicine, and this includes 1 in 5 women?of reproductive age (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). ?? Prevention, awareness, and support are critical.?To address these issues,?the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Community Care Initiative (AIM CCI) has developed the maternal safety bundles Community Care to Address the Management of Chronic Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum.?These bundles were developed in partnership with six pilot sites, and subject matter experts, from around the United States. ??These bundles address the multifaceted challenges with diabetes, hypertension, and overweight and obesity during pregnancy and postpartum, all of which can contribute to heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). ?? It also acknowledges health disparities, the need for culturally appropriate education, and shared decision-making. WATCH the video from the AIM CCI team to learn more. VISIT https://lnkd.in/eT5_v-3N and DOWNLOAD these bundles to support women and birthing people in your community. Partners who have been instrumental in piloting AIM CCI bundles include: California Health Collaborative Center for Black Women's Wellness Community Service Council, Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, Louisiana Public Health Institute, and Spectrum Health (Strong Beginnings). #americanheartmonth #breastfeeding #maternalhealth #AIMCCI

NHSA is currently recruiting for a contract Policy Consultant position, to support the Maternal Child Health Policy Innovation Program (MCH PIP), funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 19, 11:59 EST. See job details at the following link. https://lnkd.in/eeas4kmX

As we mark the conclusion of Black History Month, we would like to share some U.S. history to celebrate year-round. We invite you to learn about the legacy of Louis W. Sullivan, MD, on the Healthy Start Program which was established over 30 years ago.

Today is Maternal Health Awareness Day, and we'd like to focus on one of the many chronic conditions that impacts outcomes during the pregnancy and postpartum period -- high blood pressure. High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. This condition, also known as hypertension, can pose serious health risks if not treated. During pregnancy, hypertension can lead to life-threatening complications. Women with high blood pressure can have a safe pregnancy if they receive close monitoring and appropriate treatment. However, high blood pressure during pregnancy increases the risk of both short- and long-term complications, such as heart disease and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) were responsible for 7% of known U.S. maternal deaths from 2017-2019 (CDC, 2024). More than eighty percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable (CDC, 2022). Please help raise awareness by sharing this post. #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay

Monday is a National Day of Service to honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Serving the tens of thousands of families impacted by the Los Angeles-area wildfires is just one way to serve on this day and beyond. For many of these families, the needs were already great, and this ongoing catastrophe deepens them. Among those impacted are pregnant and postpartum women and birthing people, infants, young children, and entire families. NHSA is here to support Healthy Start communities impacted, which include SHIELDS for Families and MAMA's Neighborhood (both in Los Angeles) and Global Health Solutions (Riverside). See the Los Angeles City Government List of resources, and for possible ways that you can be of service to these communities https://lnkd.in/g2YVqcia.

Every 4.5 minutes a baby is born with a birth defect. Help us raise awareness for these conditions this January during #BirthDefects Awareness Month. From pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence, to adulthood—#EveryJourneyMatters!

Richmond, Virginia is on day three of a wide-spread water emergency that has impacted the City of Richmond, and the counties of Henrico and Hanover. This crisis impacts thousands of families, including pregnant and postpartum women and birthing people, babies, infants, and young children. We'd like to recognize and thank one of our AIM CCI partners Urban Baby Beginnings for sharing this critical information and being on the frontlines in serving families during this crisis. Please see the suggestions regarding drinking, feeding, and bathing, especially infants and young children. This is excellent information to save and prepare. #maternalhealth #mch

We at the National Health Start Association wish you a joyful, restorative holiday season, and a happy and prosperous New Year. We are looking forward to building upon our successes and continuing to work together to make a positive difference for mothers, babies, fathers, and families in 2025.

Flu can be extra prickly for pregnant people. A #flu shot during pregnancy can help protect both you and your baby from flu's wildest symptoms. Talk to your doctor or find answers at https://bit.ly/3XkAfOM #FightFlu

Thank you for your support this Giving Tuesday! Your generosity matters. (P.S. It’s not too late to give! ) See the link below. https://lnkd.in/ecPJNm7r #GivingTuesday #MakeADifference