The DeKalb Prevention Coalition and the DeKalb County Health Department have partnered to host a community baby shower focused resources for expectant parents.
DeKalb Prevention Coalition Director Jennifer Matthews said Saturday’s event aims to connect families with local health providers and prevention tools.
“We want expectant parents to know, you know, just because we’re a rural community, we have a lot of family resources here in this town,” Matthews said. “And we want them to know we’re here for them, we love them, we care for them and we support them.”
In addition to new parent information provided, Matthews said the coalition will also provide parent information books that offer guidance on having age-appropriate conversations regarding the dangers of substance misuse with older children. Matthews said the organization also distributes free medication lock boxes to help families secure prescriptions away from curious children.
“Kids are curious and we don’t want accidental overdoses happening, um, with our children or anybody in the community,” Matthews said. “Something else that we also provide at this is we partner with, um, our ROPS and that stands for Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist.”
Matthews said Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists will be on-site to conduct overdose reversal trainings for parents, grandparents, and family members. Matthews said those who complete the training have the option to receive a free Narcan kit.
“If they want to come to our table and also have one of our regional overdose prevention specialists train them on what accidental overdoses are, how they can prevent these and if they want to carry, um, Narcan, they can do that as well,” Matthews said. “So at this baby shower, they can come get a free medication lock box.”
Matthews said the event features several community partners. The health department will provide information on safe sleeping habits, car seat safety, breastfeeding, and the risks associated with secondhand smoke.
“I’m a mother of three and it’s, you know, being a parent it’s a lot of work,” Matthews said. “It is, and we want them to know that we’re here to help them if they ever need help.”
Matthews said the event is free for residents who are either expecting a child or have had a child within the past year. Matthews said the shower includes door prizes, baby gifts, and light refreshments.
“It’s like a pop-in type of baby shower where you can just pop in, get resources, grab a little snack and then leave or you’re welcome to stay the whole time if you want to,” Matthews said. “We would love to just see the community come to this and see what we have to offer in DeKalb County.”
The event runs 11am to 1pm at the DeKalb County Community Complex.