Moms and Mothers-to-Be Celebrate with a Special Event

The Southern Illinois region has come together to host a unique event that caters specifically to mothers and mothers-to-be in the community. Taking place on Saturday, May 10, the Tri-County Baby Shower promises to be an enlightening experience for those expecting or caring for infants under the age of six months. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be held at the Anna-Jonesboro High School gym. This venue provides ample space for the various health-related vendors to showcase their services and resources, ensuring that attendees have a wide range of options to explore.

• Over 20 health-related vendors will be in attendance, offering maternal and early childhood resources.
• The SIU Child Passenger Safety Resource Center will also be present, conducting car seat checks for attendees.
• Each mother will receive a goody bag filled with essential baby care items, such as diapers and wipes, while supplies last.

The event’s purpose is multifaceted, aiming to provide valuable resources to mothers in the rural health coverage area of Union, Johnson, and Massac Counties. By partnering with the American Heritage Credit Union, the event aims to shed light on the significant expenses associated with raising a child. According to a report, parents spend an average of $13,000 in the first year of their child’s life, excluding birth expenses. This staggering figure highlights the need for support systems, such as the Tri-County Baby Shower. The event is made possible through grant funding, courtesy of the Rural Health, Inc. organization. Community outreach coordinator, Chase Hileman, emphasizes the importance of this event, stating, “We want to make an impact, we want to help moms across these three counties.” As a parent himself, Hileman is well aware of the challenges faced by new mothers and aims to equip them with the necessary resources to thrive.

A crucial aspect of the event is the availability of health resource vendors. RHI is still seeking vendors to participate and provide their services. If you are interested in learning more or participating, please contact 618-833-4471 or visit the Rural Health, Inc. website.

“With this event, we want to make an impact, we want to help moms across these three counties. Especially those moms-to-be, with this event, we’re hoping they can leave hitting the ground running when that child is here, with all the information about what’s around them and what can help them so no one gets left behind.”

This special event aims to provide a sense of community and support for mothers and mothers-to-be. By offering a comprehensive range of resources, the Tri-County Baby Shower seeks to empower these individuals to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of motherhood with confidence.