Special to the
Opelika Observer
Being in a college town, things are constantly changing. Students and young families are coming and going, but there is one thing that has been a constant in our community and that is Women’s Hope Medical Clinic.
Women’s Hope is a local nonprofit organization that has been faithfully serving this area for more than 36 years in the field of pregnancy care. They offer a wide variety of free services to their clients and the surrounding community. Their goal is to positively impact lives right here in East Alabama.
Women’s Hope is dedicated to aiding women in the community who may not be able to get the care that they need during their pregnancy. On staff, they have a team of nurses who can offer pregnancy tests and limited obstetric ultrasounds. Also, they are able to offer a safe place for women to find love and affirmation amid a challenging season in their lives.
Women’s Hope not only cares for parents by offering free prenatal care, but they also provide educational, spiritual and relational support. They offer a large selection of parenting classes that give parents vital information that can guide them in the challenges of parenting.
Covering topics such as infant nutrition, knowing how to handle tantrums, potty training and more, these classes are a great way to relieve some of the stress that comes with being a new parent. In exchange for watching the class videos, participants can earn material resources such as diapers, wipes, formula and baby clothes up to 3T. The classes are also incredibly helpful during the difficult and stressful times that everyone is currently facing with COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the world as we know it, and it has caused a great deal of uncertainty for everyone. Everything seems to be in a constant state of change, but Women’s Hope wants to let the community know that they are still here to serve and care for those who need it. To best care for their clients at this time, they have taken various steps to ensure that the client’s health is a number one priority. Here is a list of the steps that have been taken during this unprecedented time:
-Clients can be seen for essential services by appointment only between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clients are encouraged to call 334-502-7000 or text 334-715-0763 to schedule an appointment
-Visitors are currently not allowed to accompany clients, for the health of their clients and staff
-Staff are using proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitizing surfaces in between client visits
-Screening tools are used to help clients determine if it is safe for them to come in for an appointment now, or if they should wait a couple of weeks first
-Parent classes are offered online and WHMC is providing material assistance (e.g., diapers, wipes, formula etc.) through curbside pickup
Executive Director Daria Monroe said she recognizes the importance of continued care during this difficult time.
“We know that women and families in our community still need pregnancy care and support. We are working to provide that support as safely as possible by spacing our appointments and adding online classes and curbside pickup for essential baby items. All of this is made possible by the generosity of our community.”
Last month, Women’s Hope demonstrated to the community at large that they are still here to serve those who need it. In partnership with Church of the Highlands, they held a community-wide “Curbside Giveaway” where families could stop by and receive food, diapers, wipes, baby bottles and more. More than 200 families were greatly impacted by the food and gifts they received.
Women’s Hope Medical Clinic is grateful for the support of the community as we all come together to serve families and keep each other going. For more information, follow their social media pages or visit womenshope.org.