Mobile Care Units from organizations such as Save the Storks are providing expecting mothers with services that will help set them up for their pregnancy. Ohio, having high infant mortality along with the current epidemics it faces, having something like this in our communities reaching out to women who are struggling would be a huge impact.
Lisa Cutler, the executive director of Elizabeth’s Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, shares with us how they acquired their own Mobile Care Unit, which now benefits the local communities that they serve in.
In 2016, Save the Storks was one of the main sponsors of the Heartbeat International Conference – where Lisa was currently gathering information about mobile units that help out pregnancy centers.
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While in her search to expand into this area at this event, Elizabeth’s Hope won a $32,000 grant from Save the Storks – out of hundreds of other organizations.
This was only the starting point to their journey – they had a long way to go, or so they thought…
In November 2017, a family anonymously gifted the remaining balance needed to obtain the mobile unit and the first year of operational expenses – a one-time gift of $240,000! Another donor had also gifted them an additional $20,000 towards purchasing an ultrasound machine.
“The mobile care unit is staffed with a licensed nurse. [It is] also is able to provide free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasound to check for viability and early miscarriage along with options counseling and referrals to other community resources and providers.” Lisa explained to us about the functions of the mobile care unit.
There are a lot of needs when it comes to running the centers and their mobile care unit – outside of monetary needs, they also need diapers, wipes, baby care essentials, gently used or new clothing up to 3T, and volunteers.
“Our goal is to not only come alongside of women when they are facing an unplanned pregnancy but also to walk alongside them and help them break free from any current addictions and resolve crisis they may be facing.” she shared in regard to their needs and goals.
Starting next year, EHPRC will have served the southern Ohio region for 30 years! They currently have physical locations in Circleville, Chillicothe, Waverly, Jackson and Greenfield. If you would like to contact any of their centers, you can find more information at www.EHPRC.org.