Low-income mothers desperately need quality prenatal care to learn how to care for themselves and their growing babies. And yet, this is the group of mothers most likely not to get prenatal care, sometimes even showing up in labor at the hospital ER never having seen a doctor. In these sad circumstances, many premature, low birth weight babies struggle to survive. These babies are much more likely to lose that battle for life.
The most common reasons women give for getting little or no prenatal care are transportation problems, no insurance, and poor treatment by clinic staff.
The Luke Clinic wants to meet these women where they are by coming to their communities to provide care. Our desire is to bring accessible, relationship-based prenatal and infant care right into the poorest neighborhoods. By setting up rooms for prenatal visits at local churches the clinic accomplishes another important goal of connecting new mothers with churches and local ministries that provide the long-term counseling and support needed, particularly for young mothers in difficult circumstances.
By operating with unconventional afternoon and evening hours, The Luke Clinic makes it easier for mothers to get prenatal care without taking a day off from work. We provide a safe, family atmosphere where adult-supervised, safe care is provided in our children’s activity room. Mothers who have limited resources will not feel unable to keep their appointments for a lack of childcare. We also provide wrap-around services such as social work support, a free meal, a clothing closet, insurance navigators, and help with transportation.
In the last five years, we have cared for 611 patients – 2/3 women receiving prenatal care and 1/3 infants under 12 years of age. We are excited to share what God has been doing in Detroit and now in Flint. We look forward to sharing our next steps and how you can become involved.
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