2024 Focus: Maternal Care

What is Maternal Care?

Maternal care refers to all aspects of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care. It includes low-, moderate-, and high-risk care; defining what constitutes these levels of risk should be individualized by facilities and regions, with input from their obstetric care providers.

Who is affected by maternal health?

Maternal mortality is highest among women living in rural areas and poorer communities. Younger adolescents (ages 10-14) face a higher risk of complications and death as a result of pregnancy than other women. Skilled care before, during, and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns.

What are the benefits of maternal care?

In other cases, maternal health can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal health revolves around the health and wellness of pregnant women, particularly when they are pregnant, when they give birth, and during child-raising.

Examples of Maternal Health Care Services

Physical exams, blood tests, and calculations of due dates. Prenatal tests to check for issues such as anemia, infection, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and birth defects. Regular checkups throughout pregnancy to assess factors such as weight and fetal growth.  Additional services for the following are also included:
  • Antenatal care (during pregnancy)
  • Intrapartum care (during labor)
  • Postpartum care (following delivery)
  • Family Planning/Counseling
  • HIV Treatment
  • Childcare

Forward Giving Circle is a California nonprofit corporation operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, a Maryland charitable trust recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178). Contributions to Forward Giving are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Players Philanthropy Fund
1122 Kenilworth Drive #201, Towson, MD 21204.

2023 Focus: Mental Health

Why Mental Health?

From the CDC

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Some facts: 

  • Over 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.

  • 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.

  • 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.

CDC Mental Health Info
Even Ted Lasso is weighing in. The cast of the hit soccer-themed comedy Ted Lasso appeared at the White House to discuss mental health. Jason Sudeikis, who plays the show’s namesake coach, said that everyone has known someone — or has been someone — who's struggled. "The big theme of the show is to check in with your neighbor, your co-worker, your friends, your family, and ask how they're doing and listen," he said.

Our goal at Forward Giving is to give access to mental health services to those who would not otherwise be able to afford treatment.

2023 AWARDED TO 2 DESERVING CHARITIES

There were so many deserving charities in the mental health space. We heard presentations from many, narrowed it down to 4, and had our members choose. Two worthy charities came out on top, so we divided our funds.

Counseling 4 Kids was awarded $20,000 to create more workshops for parents to lessen the stigma associated with mental health.

Compassion Prison Project was awarded $30,000 to expand its reach and help even more prisoners heal decades of trauma.