Content warning: Resources for Abuse, Sexual Assault, and infertility.
Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Awareness Month: According to childwefare.gov, "During April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) and the importance of communities working together to help families thrive and prevent child maltreatment. Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect."
This month CCCN had the opportunity to participate in Children's Day in the Plaza in San Luis Obispo hosted by the Child Care Planning Council. Visit our Instagram page to see highlights of the day! Please take a look at our past collaborations with local organizations Center for Family and Strengthening, First 5 SLO and Santa Barbara, and the ACES Aware Initiative at the Bridges to Resilience Conference to strengthen trauma-informed care networks by raising awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Visit our IG highlight to learn more.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Join local non-profit RISE and learn about their mission is to provide crisis intervention and treatment services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence and their loved ones. Providers in reproductive health can learn more about sexual assault and recommendations in care in American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Committee Opinion 777 April 2019.
STI Awareness Month: According to the CDC website, "STDs can complicate pregnancy and may have serious consequences for both a woman and her developing baby." Review screening recommendations by populations and for pregnant people at the CDC website. Learn more about STIs and pregnancy here. STI Awareness week is observed April 10-16, 2022.
National Volunteer Month: Volunteers are the backbone of every non-profit including CCCN! We are a local non-profit organization made up of volunteers who serve as our Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Interns, and volunteers who have dedicated thousands of hours over the past three years to forward our Mission, Vision, Programs and services for the birth and wellness community on the Central Coast. We appreciate you and thank you for your support! Learn more about CCCN and our #cccnteam at CentralCoastChildbirthNetwork.com.
International Cesarean Awareness Month: International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by reducing preventable cesareans through education, supporting cesarean recovery, and advocating for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Learn more here. Follow the local ICAN Chapter in Santa Barbara here. Join ICAN of Santa Barbara for the 5th Annual Maternal Health Panel taking place in September 2022. More details are available @ican_of_santa_barbara on Instagram.
AWARENESS DAYS
April 4- 11 is National Public Health Week. The 2022 NPHW theme is "Public Health is Where You Are." This year's theme, according to nphw.org, believes "where we live impacts our communities' health. And we can make our communities healthier, stronger, and safer!" Having support and feeling included within our communities can have a positive effect on our mental and physical health. This #NPHW, let's contribute to our communities' health by recognizing that "Public Health is Where You Are." Visit www.NPHW.org for daily themes and fact sheets. Coming soon, CCCN Blog post about Public Health and Obstetrics and Gynecology.
April 7th is World Health Day. This year's theme is our planet, our health. According to the World Health Organization, "…WHO will focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being." Learn more at who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2022.
April 10th is National Sibling Day. We know how important being a sibling is! Parents with little ones get a free activity for the big siblings at home. Check out these coloring pages and activities for welcoming a new baby for those big brothers, sisters, and siblings.
April 11th–17th is Black Maternal Health Week. In its 5th year, the #BMHW22 campaign founded and led by @blackmamasmatter champions awareness, activism, and community building around Black Maternal Health (Source: blackmammasmatter.org). This year's theme focuses on Building for Liberation: Centering Black Mamas, Families, and Systems of Care.
Additional Resources:
CCCN blog post Birth Equity about the current Black Maternal Health Crisis, research, and resources to advance Black Maternal Health.
IG Video Sonia Killebrew, Doula, Holistic Wellness Educator and Owner of Ushering In Life, LLC
Follow these organizations to learn more about events and resources throughout Black Maternal Health Week: National Birth Equity Collaborative, Black Mamas Matter, and The National Association to Advance Black Birth.
April 18th-24th is National Infertility Awareness Week. This is a movement created by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and believes "All people challenged in their family building journey should reach their resolution by being empowered by knowledge, supported by the community, united by advocacy, and inspired to act." Many people will face challenges in building a family. Resolve.org shares that 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. But you don't have to do it alone. During National Infertility Awareness Week, we can continue raising awareness and breaking down stigmas. Find local support and reach out to #cccnmembers on our CCCN Member Directory Fertility Support Page.
Authored in collaboration with:
Zabrina Cox, CtP Program Director
Sources:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/about/
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/resource-guide/
https://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy-detailed.htm
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/04/sexual-assault
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm
Disclaimer: The opinions or beliefs expressed by various authors on this blog do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs, and viewpoints of Central Coast Childbirth Network, INC. Central Coast Childbirth Network, INC does not offer medical advice. The content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The author's opinions are based upon information they consider reliable; thus, Central Coast Childbirth Network warrants its completeness or accuracy and should not be relied upon as such.
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