August 2012

May 30, 2012 was a great day for preconception health in the East! While the day might have gloomy and ended in storms and flash floods, within the walls of the Pasquotank County Health Department in Elizabeth City there was a bright glimmer of light in the world of women’s health. I was able to participate in the first of several Regional Preconception Health Meetings sponsored by the Women’s Health Branch of the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

As the Eastern Regional Coordinator for the March of Dimes NC Preconception Health Campaign, I had the honor of providing the first presentation: Preconception Health 101. I gave the participants a general overview of preconception health and the ways in which it is being addressed in NC, especially through the Campaign. In addition, Judy Ruffin and Alvina Long Valentin, from the Women’s Health Branch, presented information on progress being made in preconception health in NC, regionally and nationally....