#United States #Maternal Health #MedStar Health #PG Healthy Start #Clinton

New Life-Saving Maternal Health Program Launched in Prince George's County

On April 12, 2025, MedStar Health introduced a transformative initiative, PG Healthy Start, during the second annual Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair at Clinton Baptist Church. This program is designed to address the high rates of infant and maternal mortality in Prince George's County, which currently exceeds the national average significantly, with the maternal mortality rate being 50% higher than nationwide and 40% above Maryland's average. Alarmingly, only about 55% of women in the county receive adequate prenatal care.

A Step Towards Healthier Families

The PG Healthy Start Program, funded by a generous grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services, education, and essential resources to expecting and new families. Enrollment took place at the event, which saw a wonderful turnout from the community, highlighting the need for such support.

Mothers, fathers, and caregivers are all encouraged to participate as the program offers a wide range of essential support services, including:

• - Lactation consulting
• - Postpartum care
• - Safe sleep training
• - Assistance with food and diaper insecurity
• - Housing stability support
• - Utility assistance
• - Transportation needs
• - Referrals for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• - Family advocacy
• - Support groups

Dr. Stephen T. Michaels, the president of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, emphasizes the urgent need for improvement, stating, "Statistics show that we need to do better for our new mothers and families in Prince George's County. As a healthcare leader in the county, we are leading the charge by launching PG Healthy Start; a remarkable program that aligns perfectly with MedStar Health's mission of caring for our patients, those who care for them, and our communities."

Celebrating Parenthood and Building Community

The Community Baby Shower, held in partnership between MedStar Southern Maryland and Clinton Baptist Church, turned out to be a vibrant celebration of motherhood and community spirit. Hundreds attended, continuing from the success of last year’s inaugural event that provided a platform for new and expecting parents to connect with vital resources. Pastor Colin Pugh II from Clinton Baptist expressed gratitude for the partnership: "With the PG Healthy Start Program, families have even more opportunities to connect with local organizations and participate in valuable workshops. We grow, we serve, we love!"

The day was filled with enriching activities, including workshops on crucial parenting topics, interactive sessions led by professionals from PG Healthy Start, and information booths from over 30 community organizations covering various aspects of parenting and family support. Attendees could take part in health screenings conducted by MedStar staff, receiving blood pressure and blood sugar checks while learning about their health needs. In exchange for their participation, guests received essential supplies such as diapers and wipes, while larger items like cribs and strollers were given away through raffles.

A Call to Action

If you reside in Prince George's County or Waldorf and wish to enroll in the PG Healthy Start Program, you can reach out via email at [email protected] or call 301-235-3410. Advocate for your family's health and well-being by joining this pivotal program.

The collaboration between MedStar Health and local organizations showcases a robust community commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes. The project's support by HRSA, which totals $5.4 million, reflects a focused investment in the health of families and aims for significant impact in the years to come. Through collective efforts, the PG Healthy Start initiative is set to make a lasting difference in the lives of many families in the region.