With women, for a lifetimeTM Commendation
McKee Medical Center: Banner Health (Loveland, CO)
Women First was founded in July 1995 and has been in continuous service since. It was then and continues to be the only Nurse-Midwifery service in this community of more than 50,000 people and all of the midwives are members of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. They have served a population that is largely underinsured and medically underserved, sometimes being one of only two locations accepting Medicaid or self pay patients.
Women First CNMs have worked closely with local groups such as the Maternity Assistance Program, Healthy Beginnings and the Community Health Clinic to improve early and continued access to prenatal care, thereby helping decrease the rate of prematurity and low birth weight babies. Healthy beginnings volunteers have graciously assisted them with interpreter services both in the office as well as during births, enabling the nurse-midwives with limited Spanish skills to provide quality care. Many of their referrals come from the labor and delivery Nurses who are their staunchest supporters and send many "no care" patients to them secure in the knowledge they will be reated well.
Women First CNMs have enjoyed a tradition of involvement in community outreach and education. They have spoken at school, church and hospital events on a variety of topics. Additionally, have long served as a site for students in a variety of programs such as AD/BSN Nursing, FNP, and WHCNP as well as Midwifery students. They are experienced preceptors committed to providing quality educational opportunities.
The CNMs at Women First are: Cindy Dean, Heidi Von Neida and Carolyn Bottone-Post. There are two other center staff who round out the practice: Mary Guardinare who handles front office, billing and insurance conerns and Jean Bojan, RN. Jean performs all "nursing" functions as well as telephone triage, patient education and explaination of test results. These ladies are the backbone of the practice and keep it running smoothly day-to-day. It is very significant that both these staff have been with Women First since its inception in 1995. Our clients rely on the continuity.
Women First CNMs have been through many difficult changes over the years and have had to overcome nummerous barriers to practice. Many years ago, McKee Medical Center/Banner Health, which had long believed in the vision of Women First, began directly supporting their mission, and continues to do so today. The support allows the Heart of Midwifery to permeate the practice and allows them to care for women without regard to ability to pay. They look forward to continued growth and service in their community, to truly be with Women, for a Lifetime.
