More than 100 new moms and moms-to-be gathered for hands-on learning sessions and free baby care essentials at the 7th annual Community Baby Shower in the Englewood neighborhood hosted by St. Bernard Hospital on July 30. The outdoor event was held at its Ambulatory Care Center located at 6307 S. Stewart Ave., and featured talks and demonstrations about safe sleeping, oral hygiene, car seat safety, the importance of breastfeeding and postpartum care.
The free community event was to prepare parents with information and resources to support the positive physical, mental and emotional development of their newborns. After adjusting the event due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family-friendly event returned to its interactive format, and include activities for children including face painting, games and a bouncy house. The baby shower is supported by lead sponsor Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc., and a host of local community organizations.
Moms received gift sets that may include diapers, diaper bags, bathtubs, bottles, and bibs as well as larger gifts like car seats and playpens. According to BabyCenter.com’s baby-cost-calculator, non-medical, first-year baby costs can add up to more than $10,000. St. Bernard Hospital and event sponsors hope to minimize those costs for parents.
St. Bernard Hospital provides women’s health and wellness services to South Side residents, many of whom are uninsured and underinsured.
“Families today face increasing challenges when it comes to growing their families, including shortages on important baby items and rising inflation costs,” said Adrienne Brooks, director of fundraising at St. Bernard Hospital. “We want to continue to prioritize the needs of moms and the healthy development of children.”
“Meridian is a proud sponsor of this event and is committed to helping bring much-needed resources into the community to support our members and growing families,” said Sherry Husa, Meridian Plan President and CEO. “Together with St. Bernard Hospital and our partners, this event will provide essential baby items and health and wellness information to expectant parents.”
About St. Bernard Hospital
St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center has served the Englewood community and Chicago’s South Side since 1904. The hospital has 174 licensed beds and offers primary and specialty care, behavioral health services, dental care, imaging and rehabilitation among its services. Our mission calls us to care for the sick and promote the health of the residents in the community while witnessing the Christian values of respect, dignity, caring and compassion for all persons.
About Meridian Health Plan of Illinois
Meridian offers three managed care plans: the Meridian Medicaid Plan, the Meridian Medicare-Medicaid Plan, and the Meridian Managed Long Term Services & Supports Plan. We connect members to care and offer comprehensive services to support lifelong health and wellness. Learn more at ILMeridian.com.
