Free Community Baby Shower to Provide Resources & Supplies to Local Families
Expecting parents and families with young children can connect with local health, early childhood and family support resources at a free Community Baby Shower from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Panda Pediatrics, 1803 W. Sixth St. in Lawrence.
Hosted by Heartland Community Health Center’s Panda Pediatrics location, the event is designed to help families prepare to welcome a new baby while connecting existing parents with programs, services and support available throughout Douglas County and nearby communities.
Families can connect directly with organizations that support pregnancy, early childhood development, nutrition, parenting, health and safety. The afternoon will also include baby essentials and giveaways, treats and refreshments, raffles and prizes. Guests can enter to win a Graco Travel System and tour Panda Pediatrics to learn more about its providers and services.
Confirmed participating organizations include Early Head Start, Community Children’s Center, Parents as Teachers, Insight Women’s Center, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Douglas County, Doulas of Douglas County, the Early Childhood Collective of Douglas County, Infant-Toddler Services of Douglas County, Safe Kids of Douglas County, Selah Home, the Breastfeeding Coalition of Douglas County, Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, UnitedHealthcare and the Full Circle Kids Program through the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority.
“Families need support before and after a baby is born, whether that means finding health care, food assistance, insurance, mental health services or other resources,” said Julie Branstrom, CEO of Heartland Community Health Center. “We are excited to bring so many community partners together in one place and make it easier for parents to connect with the help they need.”
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health programs participating in the event include Healthy Families Douglas County, Mi Apoyo Prenatal and WIC Nutrition. Representatives from Enfamil will also participate, and CeraVe is contributing giveaways for families.
The Community Baby Shower is sponsored by Healthy Blue. The event is free and open to expecting parents and families with young children.
For more information, visit the “It Takes a Village: Free Community Baby Shower facebook event page, or call 785-842-4477 and ask to speak with a Community Health Worker.
