– information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks
Franklin County Health Department is launching two new programs for new moms and moms-to-be.
“Ready, Set, BABY” and “Safe Sleep Baby” are new initiatives from Franklin County’s Health Department designed to help mothers prepare for the birth of their baby by offering free classes – taught by certified instructors — on infant safe sleep and breastfeeding basics. The programs are funded through a three-year Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services that was awarded to Franklin County in December 2022.
Classes begin in July and will be conducted at multiple locations in Franklin County and are open to all women who are pregnant or postpartum and their support persons.
The Reducing Infant Mortality Program aims to educate and support mothers on how to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death. The program will also help mothers learn the basics and benefits of breastfeeding as well as overcoming common challenges. Participants will receive free items like Boppy pillows, Pack ‘n Plays, breast pumps and much more. The program also provides resources and referrals to other services that can help mothers and their babies.
Sign up at http://www.franklincobaby.as.me or call 919.496.2533. For more information about this grant or the health department, contact Allison Saad at 919.496.2533 or asaad@franklincountync.gov.
Visit www.franklincohealth.org to learn about all its programs and services.