Kohl’s Cares® has once again awarded Commonwealth Health Foundation a grant to enable The Medical Center to reach expectant parents with vital obstetrics education classes. This year's grant totaling $31,308 will be used for The Medical Center's Newborn Care and Safety Class which teaches expectant parents essential baby care skills.
"The Newborn Care and Safety Class is one of our most attended classes because expectant parents, as well as new parents, are very eager to learn how to care for their newborn," said Cindy Gilliam, OB Educator for The Medical Center. "Parents want to feel confident and comfortable in caring for their newborn, and this class teaches them the basic skills they need to know."
The Newborn Care and Safety Class is a free, hands-on class where participants use baby dolls to practice swaddling and holding a newborn, diapering and giving the baby a bath. A variety of safety issues are addressed, and a CPR demonstration shows parents what to do in an emergency.
As a result of Kohl's support, The Medical Center expanded its class offerings by adding a second location for the class. The class is held at Fairview Community Health Center Annex in addition to The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center. Last year 34 classes were held with 665 total participants, and 34 classes are already scheduled for 2013.
The Kohl's grant also funds the purchase of safety tote bags for expectant parents who take part in the Newborn Care and Safety class. The tote bags, which include items such as "The Joy of Parenthood" publication on baby care and safety, DNA identification kit, bath water temperature tester, infant CPR refrigerator magnet, and baby safety gift set, are provided to parents at no cost. A baby monitor is also given out in a drawing at every class.
The Medical Center is the local Kohl's Cares® beneficiary. Since 2006, Kohl's has donated $164,509 to The Medical Center to support its health and wellness programs including construction of two community walking trails at local elementary schools.
Kohl's commitment to Commonwealth Health Foundation and The Medical Center is made possible through the Kohl's Cares® philanthropic initiative. Kohl's Cares® includes a merchandise program featuring $5 books and plush toys where 100% of net profits benefit health and educational opportunities for children nationwide. Since 2000 when Kohl's Cares® was introduced, Kohl's has raised more than $208 million through its merchandise program. In addition to its hospital partnerships, Kohl's Cares includes Kohl's Cares® scholarship program, Kohl's Associates in Action program, and fundraising cards for local schools and nonprofit youth organizations.
About Kohl’s Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental leadership, Kohl's operates 1,146 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl's has raised more than $208 million for children's initiatives nationwide through its Kohl's Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com or join the discussion on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/kohls or Twitter http://twitter.com/Kohls.About Commonwealth Health Foundation
Commonwealth Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Commonwealth Health Foundation helps build relationships and partnerships across Southcentral Kentucky that will inspire charitable giving by individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations. These gifts help support the mission of CHC to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.commonwealthhealthfoundation.org or call 270-796-5543.About The Medical Center
The Medical Center at Bowling Green is the flagship hospital for Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Located in Bowling Green, Ky., The Medical Center is a 337-bed, full service, not-for-profit hospital specializing in heart, cancer care, obstetrics and neonatology, and orthopaedic services. With a mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves, CHC and its entities including The Medical Center at Bowling Green contributed $64.5 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2012. The Medical Center treats patients regardless of their ability to pay and annually provides millions in community benefit through charity care for the uninsured and shortfalls in governmental reimbursements (Medicare and Medicaid). To learn more, visit www.TheMedicalCenter.org.