Monongalia County Partners In Prevention, which has received an “Innovation Grant” as well as a "Partners In Prevention Grant," has a great program to reach the new parents in their area.

Their team is working collaboratively with the WVU Hospital to pair a part-time outreach worker with the medical social work on their pediatric floor. The outreach worker will meet with identified new or expectant parents to provide educational materials and learning tools, assess the parents’ knowledge of child development, discuss with them age appropriate expectations and the importance of developing a nurturing relationship with their baby, and ensuring they understand the importance of early brain development. The outreach worker will connect them to needed community resources. This project is aimed at bridging the gap between the medical community and the social service community.

Other activities this very busy team is undertaking include:

• Sponsoring a community baby fair in collaboration with early childhood programs and partners. It will include booths providing health and safety information and resources of expecting and new parents.
• Distributing baby outreach packs containing resources and safety items for expecting and new parents.
• Sponsoring family fun activities promoting healthy family interactions.
• Assisting with the implementation of a stress management group for caregivers.
• Raising awareness about local resources and increasing community involvement in prevention through education and training