New and expectant mothers will have an opportunity to get some valuable education — along with some useful items for their new baby — at an upcoming event at the Berryville Community Center.
The Carroll County Hometown Health Coalition is putting together a Safety Baby Shower to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the community center. The event will include games, prizes and goodie bags as well as valuable information and education from representatives ofArkansas Department of Health, UAMS, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and other local health-related representatives.
“As the dad of two little girls, I just really cannot say, after reviewing the presentations, how truly beneficial I think it’s going to be as far as education goes,” said Cody Qualls, vice chair of the Carroll County Hometown Health Coalition. “And then [participants] get a bunch of free stuff, too.
“So, it’s really a win-win for everyone, and we’d really like to see anyone there that that is interested.”
Presentations at the safety shower will include educating mothers on unintentional injuries in babies and young children, suffocation and SIDS (safe sleep), burns and scalds, poisoning and medication safety, drownings, choking, falls, infant crying and shaken baby syndrome, motor vehicle safety, home safety checklist, home fire escape plan and crying baby plan.
Dr. GeoffreyWest, with Ozark Lakes Family Dentistry in Berryville, will also speak to mothers about the importance of pediatric dental examinations, Qualls said. “If you have a child or are planning to become pregnant and you feel like you would benefit from the information, you’re welcome regardless of where you live or what your status is,” Qualls said.
Walmart in Berryville contributed $1,000 to the event, which has gone into preparing goodie bags for the first 20 participants who register. Those bags will include things such as swaddles, diapers and wipes.
A free catered lunch will also be provided. To register for the safety shower, call Qualls at 870-867-7674.
