News

February 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tamela Pumphrey
502-589-8615, ex. 1183

Seven Counties Services Inc. Receives
March of Dimes Grant to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit

LOUISVILLE, KY. 02-07-2007 – With grant funding support from the March of Dimes Greater Kentucky Chapter, Seven Counties Services, Inc. will soon launch the Healthy Beginnings program at various locations throughout Jefferson County. Healthy Beginnings represents a unique approach to assisting pregnant woman who want to quit smoking. Under the direction of Seven Counties’ Prevention Division, Healthy Beginnings will offer pregnant women assistance with smoking cessation in a supportive group setting. By integrating stress management techniques, addiction information, and relaxation techniques into the program, Healthy Beginnings addresses the triggers that often hamper pregnant smokers from quitting. Cessation information, resource linkage, and peer-to-peer interaction are also program elements critical to creating the best opportunity for successful cessation.

March of Dimes grant funding will support the Healthy Beginnings program in many ways, including providing resources to help defeat common barriers to participation such as transportation and child-care for participants in need. Program participants will also receive incentives for participation and cessation successes, thanks to March of Dimes support.

“This partnership supports an exciting and promising new approach in our battle against a significant health risk,” says Tamela Pumphrey, Seven Counties’ Prevention Division Director. “Pregnant smokers who want to quit already recognize the potential health benefits to themselves and their children. They know they can succeed, with the right help and support.”

Kentucky has the 2nd highest smoking rate during pregnancy in the nation. The significant health risks involved are well established. Children born to mothers who smoke are much more likely to be born premature or of low birth weight.

Pregnant smokers who want to quit or organizations interested in hosting a program can receive Healthy Beginnings information by contacting Stephanie Uliana of Seven Counties Services at 502-797-4625.

This grant is one of many that the March of Dimes awards in pursuit of its mission to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Every volunteer that supports its mission or makes donations in other ways helps make community grants such as this a reality. The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information on the March of Dimes, please visit marchofdimes.com or its Spanish website nacersano.org. For more information on the annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica, please visit walkamerica.org.

Seven Counties Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that provides planning, prevention, treatment, and support in the areas of mental illness, developmental disabilities, addictions, and abuse in Jefferson, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, Henry, Oldham, and Trimble counties. More than 1,400 clinical and administrative staff members create and deliver quality services to approximately 30,000 individuals each year. For more information about Seven Counties Services, Inc., please visit www.sevencounites.org or contact Dean Johnson, Public Information Coordinator, at 502-589-8615, extension 1197 or DJohnson2@sevencounties.org.