While much of the “healing” occurs within the walls of our hospital, Texas Health HEB is also involved in many ventures throughout the community.
One such program is our “Safe from the Start” program.
The “Safe from the Start” program was started by Community Health Educator Carol Speed. About 15 years ago, Mrs. Speed was asked to present at the KEYS Education Center to discuss baby care to pregnant and parenting teens within the HEB ISD.
After the first meeting, Carol realized that more education would be beneficial to these teens and the “Safe from the Start” program was born! Fifteen years later, Carol still travels to KEYS education center twice a month to educate the teens. Presentations include topics such as: preventing domestic violence, baby-proofing your home, dental health, CPR for infant and children, the importance of reading to your child—just to name a few! All teens are given informational materials and various “goodies”—such as car seats, books for parents to read to their children, etc. A grant from the Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation has helped fund the program. Carol has received great feedback from students, teachers and nurses within KEYS. Carol remembers with fondness when she realized what an impact she was making. A young male teen that had attended some of Carol’s educational sessions, recognized Carol as she was shopping at the mall. The teen ran up to her in excitement and proceeded to introduce “Mrs. Speed” to a group of his friends. He said Mrs. Speed helped teach him how to take care of his baby. It amazed Carol that this young man would show such appreciation for the information he had received through the “Safe From the Start Program.”
In the 2008 school year, about 85 teens participated in the program. It is evident this program is making a great improvement in the lives of HEB area youth and improving the lives of the next generation.
Jessica Reading, MPH
Community Health Educator
Texas Health HEB
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