WVU :: School of Medicine :: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

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WV Healthy Start/HAPI Project
(Helping Appalachian Parents and Infants)

Brief Project Overview:

Funded by: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). HAPI is one of 96 Healthy Start Projects nationally. This is the only Healthy Start Project in West Virginia.

In Collaboration with: WV Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, West Virginia University, Health Departments, Community Health Agencies, Family Planning Clinics, OB/GYN Providers, Community Mental Health Centers, Domestic Violence Shelters,
Social Service Agencies

Target Population: Prenatal and Postpartum Women

Target Counties: Barbour, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, and Upshur

hapi counties

Counties served by HAPI
in dark blue

Services available free through the Healthy Start/HAPI Project:

Services provided in-home, information/education on healthy pregnancy behaviors, postpartum depression, infant development, wellness, family building, healthy relationships, and healthy behaviors.

Assessments, referral, and payment of treatment for depression, smoking cessation, and family stress including medication and counseling. Assistance with transportation and childcare costs.

Services targeted to improve maternal well-being during pregnancy, postpartum and the interconceptional period.

Community involvement is the key to improving perinatal health. Consortium activities are targeted at increasing community collaboration at all levels and to increase consumer involvement and input into improving services throughout the perinatal healthcare system. READ OUR NEWSLETTER

Specialized Oral Health Services For Pregnant Women:

Oral Health Education related to Pregnancy and Infants

a free Dental Cleaning and Screening

a free Sonicare toothbrush and instruction

monthly supply of Crest toothpaste

follow-up Dental screening

Eligibility Criteria:

Prenatal: Any current Right From The Start participant. Eligibility for pregnant women includes: WV Residents, WV Medicaid card.

Postpartum/Interconceptional: Eligibility based on Risk Screening criteria such as, smoking status, postpartum depression, low birth weight-Baby, high birth score, etc. Services extend for 2 years after the birth of the baby. "Mom" is the identified participant, services focusing on Mom's well being.

Goal: To help women have as healthy pregnancies and families as possible, reduce infant mortality, and low birth weight.

Project Director - Penny Womeldorff
Resource Specialist - Lisa Cupp
Program Coordinator - Paula Panagopoulos
Data Base Manager -Natalia Liston
Data Entry Clerk - Jill Sturm
Consortium Coordinator - Jodi Fleshman
Principal Investigator - Michael L. Stitely, Associate Professor


	Michael L. Stitely, MD, Associate Professor Clinical Director/HAPI Project Degree Awarded: University of Pittsburgh Special Training: Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA Board Certification(s): Obstetrics and Gynecology Special Interests: Pelvic organ prolapse Urinary incontinence Recurrent pregnancy loss

	Penny Womeldorff, MA, LSW Project Director Degree Awarded: West Virginia University Special Interests: Public Health Maternal & Child Health Substance Abuse & Mental Health Issues

1-866-738-HAPI (4274)
To ask about Right From the Start Services eligibility,
call the the Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health at 1-800-642-8522.

See Television Ads sponsored by The West Virginia Healthy Start/HAPI Project.

National Healthy Start Association