ST. LOUIS, MO. (January 22, 2021) – Since 1993, Midtown Community Services has strived to reverse the infant mortality rate in the City of St. Louis and give babies at risk a healthier start to life with its Family PRIDE (Parent Resources, Infant Development and Environment) program. Thanks to a $4,000 donation from Delta Dental of Missouri, the nonprofit will grow its breadth of health-related educational programming and services in 2021. 

Family PRIDE assists young families in underserved neighborhoods by providing support and assistance from the moment a mother finds out she is pregnant until the day the child enters kindergarten. From home visits and custom service plans to parenting workshops and playgroups, Family PRIDE ensures parents have free access to health- and child development-based education.  

This year, Midtown will expand its programming to address the specific needs of Black mothers and babies who are facing greater obstacles to quality healthcare due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Midtown’s mental health initiative provides free, culturally responsive virtual group and individual counseling for moms to address issues of anxiety and postpartum depression. In addition, starting in January, Midtown will offer certified doula services to expectant moms in the program to enhance prenatal care, empower parents to advocate for themselves and their infants in a healthcare setting, and provide post-natal care and services. 

“Studies show Black women are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression, but less likely to receive treatment due to a lack of access, financial constraints or stigma in the community,” said Barbara Schaefer, executive director of Midtown. “Because of COVID-19, it’s even harder to find therapists with availability. By partnering with generous companies like Delta Dental, we can offer online mental health and doula services that ensure better health for moms and their babies and set a stronger foundation for their families’ overall health moving forward.” 

About Midtown Community Services – Midtown Community Services provides a wholesome, peaceful center where individuals, families and especially children from across St. Louis can be nurtured, supported and build community together. Midtown offers people access to connections and resources for realizing their value and full potential. To learn more, visit www.midtownstl.org. 

About Delta Dental of Missouri – Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides 2.1 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.