The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Health District has received a $5,000 Community Health Impact Micro-Grant from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The Alleghany Health District is one of 12 local health districts in Virginia to receive the grant. The health district is using the funding to support Alleghany Highlands families through its new “Bloom” maternal health program.
“Improving maternal health in rural communities is about more than access to services. It’s about making sure mothers and families feel connected, supported, and heard. By creating opportunities to share experiences, build relationships, and learn about available resources, we are strengthening the family support network in the Alleghany Highlands,” said Sarah Jane Lawrence, population health community coordinator.
With the funding, Alleghany Health District is supporting two community initiatives focused on maternal health, education, and connection: the “Growing Together Baby Shower” and a “Rural Legends” Maternal Storytelling, in partnership with Mountain Momma Maternity Support and Roanoke College.
On Friday, November 13, “Rural Legends” Maternal Storytelling will take place at the Historic Masonic Theater, 510 Main St. in Clifton Forge. The event will begin at 7 p.m. The community is invited to the event as five local women share their experiences of pregnancy, birth, motherhood, and raising families in the Alleghany Highlands. Their stories highlight the strength, resilience, and unique perspectives of rural motherhood. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit https://historicmasonictheatre.com/masonic-event/rural-legends/.
The Growing Together Community Baby Shower was held on Saturday, October 24 at Studio 403 in Clifton Forge. Seven local families participated in an afternoon of celebration, education, and connection. The event included a special emphasis on infant safety, car seat and safe sleep education, blood pressure screenings, and information about postpartum depression and maternal mental health through the “Beyond the Blues” awareness campaign. Families also connected with local service providers and learned about doula support, BabyCare home visitation, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, breastfeeding resources, and diaper and formula assistance. During the event, families were able to connect with one another and build relationships in a welcoming environment while they enjoyed games, food and other activities.
For more information on the Public Health Infrastructure Grant program, visit www.phinfrastructure.org/about/
