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August 2024
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Mothers First News update
Mothers First prides itself on the transparency we offer the community and our partners. If you would like an event added or we hear your voices, please feel free to reach out. We are happy to consider it to our newsletter.
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  In the month of August, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee sponsors National Breastfeeding Month to support babies and families. This year’s theme is This is Our Why – a time to celebrate lactating parents and the work to support breastfeeding. Share our MyHealthfinder resources on breastfeeding and quick tips for eating healthy while breastfeeding. You can also share these Dietary Guidelines fact sheets on building a healthy eating routine when breastfeeding and building a healthy eating routine for your baby. Finally, be sure to check out these Healthy People 2030 evidence-based resources related to breastfeeding and infant health.
 Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25 - 31)
Black Breastfeeding Week is recognized on August 25 - 31 to bring awareness to the racial disparity in breastfeeding rates among Black mothers. This year’s theme is Celebrating Connection & Our Communities. Be sure to check out information from the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) about the health benefits of breastfeeding. You can also share OWH’s guide to breastfeeding. And check out OWH’s partner resources to find prewritten social media messages you can use to spread the word.
To begin with, the historical oppression of enslaved Black women as wet nurses throughout North America continues to impact the way that breastfeeding is viewed in some Black communities, and thus may result in less social support for breastfeeding parents, and increased stigma towards breastfeeding or full-term breastfeeding.
One of the most significant factors of course is the institutional racism that Black birthing people experience. During pregnancy and labour, Black birthing folks face higher chances of experiencing obstetric violence. Immediately postpartum, when breastfeeding support is most critical, Black parents are less likely to be offered support from a lactation consultant and are more likely to experience pressure by health-care providers to formula feed. All of these can discourage breastfeeding and decrease success rates with establishing breastfeeding.
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National Immunization Awareness Month
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month in August to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for all people. Share our list of MyHealthfinder vaccine resources to help people protect their health and stay up to date on their vaccines. And explore the Healthy People 2030 vaccination objective and evidence-based resources on vaccination programs that can be implemented in various settings. |
Community calendar
Mothers First Events
- Mothers First/ St. Paul College Bound Community Baby Shower
- Frogtown Community Center 230 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55103
- September 14th 2024
- 12pm -3pm
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2024 Backpack Giveaway – Merrick Community Services (merrickcs.org)
Receive a FREE backpack for your child!
A new school year will soon be upon us. Join us at Merrick Community Services on Saturday, August 17th for our Annual Backpack Giveaway event.
At the Event:
- Receive a FREE backpackfor your child(ren)
- Receive FREE age-appropriate school supplies
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Free foodwill be served
- Learn about additional community resources available to you!
When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024 • 10 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Merrick Community Services, 1669 Arcade Street North, Saint Paul, 55106
Registration Opens July 22
  Announcements
Pregnancy/health information
 Welcome! We wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves as the Healthy Brain and
Child Development (HBCD) Study Navigators! We’re here to assist with navigating the
study, advocate on your behalf, and ensure all your study-related questions get answered.
We also provide support and will help you overcome any barriers that may come up in the
following areas (but not limited to):
Crisis - Emergency Assistance - Medical and Dental - Pregnancy and Postpartum Care -
Mental Health - Substance Use Disorder - Employment and Education - Transportation - Housing- Utilities - Financial - Food - Legal - Parenting and Family
The HBCD Study will enroll approximately 7,500 participating families from across the United States and follow them and their children through early childhood. We want to understand how the brain develops and is affected by exposure to substances and other environmental conditions during pregnancy and after the baby is born.
Together, we can find answers to questions that you and many other parents and caregivers might ask, such as:
- How do genes and experiences influence development and behavior?
- How does early contact to opioids, tobacco, and other substances affect development?
- Are there key experiences early in development that affect later health and well-being of a child?
- Are there windows during early development that present opportunities to step in that will help children be healthier and happier?
- How do children's interactions with their parent or caretaker affect their health?
Mental Health Resources
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (651)280-2310
Ramsey County Mental Health Center (651)266-7890 County served: Ramsey
People Incorporated (612)-230-1300 or (651)-774-0011
Rape & Sexual Violence Hotline 612-825-HELP
Human Development Center (218)728-4491 or (800)412-9764
Western Mental Health Center (507)532-3236 Southern St. Louis, Carlton, & Lake. Lyon, Lincoln, Redwood, Murray & Yellow Medicine.
Northern Pines Mental Health Center (218)829-3235
Zumbro Valley Health Center (507)289-2089 Cass, Wadena, Todd, Morrison, Crow Wing & Aikin. Olmsted and Fillmore.
Northwestern Mental Health Center (218)281-3940
Kittson, Marshall, Red Lake, Polk, Norman & Mahnomen. Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Hennepin & Ramsey.
Trauma Support Services
Minnesota Day One Toll-free 24h crisis line 1-866-223-1111; 1-866-385-2699 (crime victim line)
Tubman Crisis: 612-825-0000 Adults, families, victims of prostitution and domestic abuse
 College Bound Saint Paul
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The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to investing in the lives of our children. That’s why the community is working together to provide a college savings account with $50 for each child who lives in Saint Paul and is born on or after January 1, 2020.
This new program, CollegeBound Saint Paul, will help provide a pathway to a brighter future for both families and the city. The purpose of the program is to connect families and their children to early childhood resources as well as financial education and tools to be financially healthy.
Children and families will have the opportunity to receive more money in their accounts through bonuses. They can earn bonuses by logging into the Savings Portal for the first time, reaching milestones, participating in early childhood programs, and using financial capability resources provided by the City and community organization partners.
For more information please Contact: Tracy Jones 651-238-3259.
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Community Resources
 Families with at least one minor child in need of emergency shelter should call the United Way’s Helpline and Crisis Line for a prescreen at 651-291-0211. If a family is currently unsheltered, they can also call Ramsey County’s Homeless Services Team directly during business hours at 651-266-7818.
For those experiencing domestic violence, Day One Services may be able to help find a safe place for families while fleeing abuse. Call Day One Services at 1-866-223-1111.
Women and children escaping abuse, battling addiction, or struggling homelessness and poverty can call Union Gospel Mission's Naomi Family Residence at 651-228-1800.
Families who are sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (streets, car, camping, public transit, etc.) or staying at a domestic violence shelter and are only looking for supportive housing (not shelter) can call 651-215-2262.
Homeless prevention resource
Prevention resources are meant to keep families in their current housing, or prevent them from homelessness.
Mortgage foreclosure
If you are a homeowner facing foreclosure, or a renter whose landlord is facing foreclosure, check the following:
Emergency Assistance
Ramsey County can provide short-term assistance when families are in a financial crisis that poses a direct threat to the physical health or safety of a child younger than 18.
Energy Assistance
A variety of programs can help people who are experiencing financial crisis pay for their energy or electricity bills.
Ramsey County provides health and social services to families living in high-risk environments, who are at risk for becoming homeless. All services (except utility assistance) are by referral only.
Ramsey County works with the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) to assist single adults, youth ages 24 and younger, and/or families with minor children that are at risk of homelessness or are already experiencing homelessness. FHPAP can help prevent utility shut-offs and evictions.
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