Southern Nevada Health District’s Healthy Start program, Health Plan of Nevada, Las Vegas City Councilwoman Olivia Díaz and community partners hosted more than 250 women and families for a free Community Baby Shower on Feb. 19 at the East Las Vegas Community Center.
“Connecting families with trusted information and services early can make a lasting difference for both moms and babies,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer, Southern Nevada Health District. “Events like this strengthen community connections and help ensure families have the support they need for a healthy start.”
Expectant mothers and mothers with infants received education on prenatal and postpartum care, safe sleep, child passenger safety, family planning, nutrition and more. Attendees also took part in baby shower‑style games and activities designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
“Our goal is to bring support, resources, and education directly to the community under one roof, making it easy for new and expecting parents to access what they need for a healthy start,” said Terrie Flaherty, MSN, RN, CCM, Clinical Manager for the Joyful Journeys OB Team, Health Plan of Nevada.
Several organizations including the Nevada Maternal and Child Health Coalition, University Medical Center Healthy Living Institute, Roseman University Empowered Program and Baby’s Bounty joined Southern Nevada Health District’s Healthy Start program and Health Plan of Nevada to provide support, reinforcing a joint dedication to reducing barriers to care and connecting families with trusted local resources.
“Supporting mothers and babies starts with access to information, services and community‑based care,” said Las Vegas City Councilwoman Olivia Díaz. “This Community Baby Shower reflects our shared commitment to investing in families, strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring every child has a healthy start.”
Nearly 1 in 4 women in Nevada do not begin prenatal care in the first trimester, contributing to a preterm birth rate of nearly 1 in 9 babies. Improving access to resources and connecting families to care is important for supporting healthier pregnancies and outcomes for mothers and babies.
Families in attendance shared heartfelt feedback about the impact of the event and the support they received. “They made sure that we have everything we need and that we feel comfortable, while we are pregnant and after we have our baby,” said one attendee.
For more information, please visit the Healthy Start program page at SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org.
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