Date: November 1, 2006
Location:Marriott Westchester
Educational Topic: 5th Annual Regional Perinatal Forum Conference: "The Interplay of Stressors in Perinatal Health: Racism, Obesity and Violence"
The 5th Annual Regional Perinatal Forum's conference entitled "The Interplay of Stressors in Perinatal Health: Racism, Obesity & Violence" was held on November 1, 2006 at the Marriott Westchester with keynote speaker David Satcher, M.D., PhD, Director of the National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, and Former U.S. Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary of Health.

Featured speakers and Presentations:

Conference Agenda | Presentations | Conference Photos

Date: June 20, 2006
Location:Bright Horizons at Casperkill Golf Club, Poughkeepsie, NY
Educational Topic: Prematurity and Developmental Outcomes
The Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network's summer edition of their quarterly education and networking meeting was held on June 20, 2006.

The meeting was held in Dutchess County at the Casperkill Golf Club, and welcomed more than 100 guests to learn about and address the issues of Prematurity and Developmental Outcomes.

The LHVPN was honored to have Dr. Karla Damus and Dr. Jordan Kase as presenters on this very important topic. Karla Damus, RN, MSPH, PhD, provided a HuGE update on preterm birth prevention, research, and the national campaign. Jordan S. Kase, M.D., spoke about prematurity outcomes right here in the Hudson Valley. During the county round table discussions, each of the four counties were able to outline the barriers their communities face in getting proper prenatal care, as well as devise action plans to eliminate those barriers.

Featured speakers and Presentations:

A HuGE Update on Preterm Birth Prevention, Research, and the National Campaign
Karla Damus, RN, MSPH, PhD
Prematurity Outcomes in the Lower Hudson Valley Region and Nationally
Jordan S. Kase, MD
Early Intervention Programs
County Panel Presentation



Date: January 24, 2006
Location:Knights of Columbus - Haverstraw, NY
Educational Topic: Disparities in Breastfeeding
The Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network's first quarterly education meeting of 2006 focused on Disparities in Breastfeeding.

Black Women's Breastfeeding Alliance, Inc. Executive director Sandy McInnis was on site to lead the discussion. Despite substantial increases in breastfeeding rates in the last decade, racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding are still wide spread. The message is clear; all potential breastfeeding mothers must have access to lactation management support provided by trained healthcare providers, especially during the first days and weeks postpartum. Healthcare providers have a special role in the promotion of breastfeeding and must be knowledgeable and skillful in counseling women about breastfeeding and lactation. Special attention should be given to barriers to breastfeeding, especially for African American and other minority women.... Read more



Date: January 11, 2006
Location:Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center - Valhalla, NY
Educational Topic: Data and Access to Care Committees Meeting