Perinatal forum for teenagers

Flushing-based non-profit Queens Health Coalition (QHC) has been providing essential links between healthcare consumers and providers since 1994.
Recently, they teamed up with Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) and the Queens Perinatal Center, and conducted their annual Queens Perinatal Forum, at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Flushing.
“Perinatal” refers to “close to childbirth.” It’s the period from about 28 weeks before birth to about 28 days after, a most critical period for positive birth outcomes.
The theme of this year’s event was “Your Today Determines Your Tomorrow.” The forum was dedicated to issues relating to health care for teen agers. Featured guest speakers stressed the importance of health care providers and community based organizations communicating with teens, many of whom are sexually active.
Shown here, (from left) QHC Executive Director Phyllis Shafran stands with Forum organizers Sascha James, LIJ Perinatal Manager and Christine Grippi, Neonatal Network Manager at Schneider Children’s Hospital.
With them are members of QHC’s Comprehensive Prenatal Perinatal Services Network, Rose Marie Dorvily, Network Director; Health Educator Lorena Flores and Project Assistant Moona Syed.
About 50 participants discussed effective ways to help teens understand their social options and healthy choices to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as how to ensure that if they get pregnant, their babies have a better chance to be healthy.
For more information, call QHC at 718-762-0346 or visit their web site, www.qhcnyc.org.