Mothers Offering Resources and Education (M.O.R.E.) gives new moms in Georgia an edge up on motherhood.
In October 2005, the DeKalb County Board of Health set out to reduce the number of infant deaths that occur in the African American community — especially in McNair, Cedar Grove, and Lithonia, where the newborn death rate is said to be “very high.” According to the M.O.R.E. program, for every 1,000 babies born, 13.5 will die before their first birthday.
The free service is geared towards pregnant women and those who have an infant less than one year old. Each new mom is paired with a trained “Resource Mother,” all who have faced similar struggles, making mom and her new baby’s health and happiness a priority. Along with providing vital emotional support, M.O.R.E educates new moms on how to obtain health care for mommy and baby, make healthy eating choices, the effects of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, car seat safety, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and so much more.
Quintez York, a program participant, tells rolling out it wasn’t until his mother referred him and the mother of his child — who wasn’t working at the time — to M.O.R.E. that they found any real relief and assistance. “I’m here to get the tools I need for my child,” said York of the program, which he described as “enjoyable” and a “good experience.” Of his biggest takeaway, York stressed the importance of “being there for one another.” While the service targets young mothers, York also revealed that he wasn’t alone. “There were about four or five” other men in attendance.
Another participant, Andrea, who joined the program after her daughter got pregnant, tells us that she drops everything to participate in the priceless program: “Whatever is going on, I change my schedule, I’m there.”
For more information on the M.O.R.E program, click here.
