BOBÌåÓý

The University of Florida Health Women’s Center has been given a $12,890 grant renewal from March of Dimes for the , which offers group prenatal care to help reduce the risk of premature birth. This third grant will help them expand to Bradford and Union counties.

Pregnant women who wish to participate in the CenteringPregnancy model are grouped by their due dates. After a standard visit to their provider, the women join a group during their third month of pregnancy. The groups initially meet monthly, then bimonthly closer to delivery. During these sessions, they receive all components of individual care as well as additional support and education.

“I am thrilled with the response we are having from our CenteringPregnancy patients,â€� said Kay Roussos-Ross, M.D., the BOBÌåÓý physician who leads the CenteringPregnancy initiative. “We are very excited about expanding this mode of care to our neighboring counties, Marion, Bradford and Union, thanks to the March of Dimes grant. We know that we will positively impact pregnant women there as well.â€�

To receive the designation, BOBÌåÓý Women’s Center providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse midwives, participated in an intensive training process provided by CenteringPregnancy.

The CenteringPregnancy groups will now be offered at locations including BOBÌåÓý Women’s Center â€� Medical Plaza, BOBÌåÓý Women’s Center â€� Springhill, Ocala, the SW Advocacy Group in Gainesville and in Bradford and Union counties. Groups will continue to form throughout the year. Potential participants must choose an approved provider at the BOBÌåÓý Women’s Center and be fewer than four months pregnant. To participate, call 352-265-8200.