Bootheel Babies and Families of Stoddard County

The Regional Healthcare Foundation partnered with Bootheel Babies and Families
as part of 10-year initiative to decrease infant deaths in the bootheel area.

In Stoddard County a total of $356,449.10 in grant funding was distributed amongst several organizations to address the high infant mortality rate.

We are thankful for organizations who applied for the grant money to provide services in Stoddard County and work toward improving infant and maternal health. Below is a list of the organizations that have received funding.

Parents as Teachers Richland/Dexter/Bloomfield- Qualifying families can receive a $10 gift card for each visit. Visits can be up to two per month until child turns 2 years old. Topics covered are safe sleep, nutrition, health topics, routines, and transitions of the family.  The following communities are included: Dexter, Bloomfield, Aquilla, Essex, Circle City, Dudley, and Gray Ridge. Please contact the Parents as Teachers office for more information at (573) 614-1025 Ext 4

ParentLink- Stoddard County residents have access to ParentLink Navigators. The navigators help advocate for parents and caregivers by making calls to arrange appointments, helping complete paperwork, connecting to other agencies, and more. Please contact Jennifer Sheridan at sheridanjl@missouri.edu.

Regional Healthcare Foundation- Stoddard County parents and grandparents can receive a one-time $30 gift card and safe sleep kit by attending a one time 90 minute education class covering safe sleep, postpartum, and the period of PURPLE crying. A postpartum depression scale can be completed 6 weeks postpartum and if counseling is needed there are funds to assist with the cost. Individuals who have need and meet income guidelines can qualify for a crib if agreeable to safe sleep assessment. Please contact Mother-to-Mother Staff at 624-1607. 

Stoddard County Public Health Center- CPR classes will be offered to WIC participants including pregnant moms, parents/guardians with infant, and childcare providers. Please contact the Stoddard County Public Health Center at 568-4593 for more information.

Southeastern Missouri Area Health Education Center, Inc.(SEMO AHEC)- A Beautiful Beginning is a SEMO AHEC/BBF Collaboration that is currently serving Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard counties in the Bootheel. Participants must live in one of the six counties and be pregnant when they enroll. Resource referral, education and support will be provided to the mother's during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Please contact Jessica Kruger for more information at jessica.semoahec@gmail.com. 

Fresh Start Self Improvement Center, Inc- Fathers on the Move is a program consisting of eight sessions that encourage and support dads to develop healthy communication patterns. There are incentives for completing each session. Please call the Fresh Start Self Improvement Center at 573-233-5070 for more information or visit website https://bootheelfathers.com/

United for Children (U4C)- Working with childcare providers to give support and education on safe sleep. Supplies for screenings regarding important milestones and other incentives are available for childcare providers who participate.  Please contact Dawn Brotherton for more information at brothertond@united4children.org.

BNHI- Providing cribs and assistance with set up for those in need of a safe sleep area for their infant. 

Southeastern Missouri Area Health Education Center, Inc.- A mini grant was awarded to develop educational content for medical professionals who work with Spanish speaking patients and community members who are primarily Spanish speaking to provide better/more culturally competent care. Education will focus on pregnancy and infant health. 

Dunklin County Caring Council, Inc.- A mini grant was awarded to make in-person contact with childcare providers in Stoddard County. Information will be shared with childcare providers about work being done in the bootheel to provide connections and improve capacity building in the region.

BBF of Stoddard Task Force- A mini grant was awarded for gas assistance to medical visits covering prenatal, postpartum or infants up to one year of age. Must be a resident of Stoddard County. Contact Rachelle Bennett at rachelleb@regionalhf.org or 624-1607 for information. 

BBF of Stoddard Task Force- A mini grant was awarded to provide incentives for Stoddard County Health Fair hosted by Stoddard County Public Health Center taking place September 29, 2022. Please contact Rachelle Bennett at rachelleb@regionalhf.org for more information.

Regional Healthcare Foundation- Mother-to-Mother program was awarded funds for diapers, wipes, and hygiene products.