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Khristen Flennoy is on a mission. As the new director of Wellstar’s Healthy Start program, she wants to enroll hundreds of women in Spalding, Butts, and Troup counties in a program that cares for mothers and babies before, during, and after childbirth.  

“There is a great need to expand women’s health services in Troup, Butts, and Spalding counties, and we’re grateful for the resources the Healthy Start grant provides,” said Flennoy. “After an extremely competitive application process, Wellstar is now part of Healthy Start’s 33-year legacy of improving the health of women and families. I am ecstatic to lead the charge alongside a dynamic team to create a lasting impact for the people in these communities.”  

For the first time in her new role, Flennoy led a community consortium meeting on Friday, October 25. The group was formed to serve as a voice for the community after Wellstar received the $5.5 million Healthy Start federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration. The highly competitive grant invests in communities to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancies.   

According to the Georgia Department of Health, maternal deaths during pregnancy are increasing. Black women are twice as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related causes. Wellstar is the first grant recipient in the state to embed the Healthy Start program in its OB-GYN offices.  

Participants include pregnant women, new moms of babies up to 18 months old, and even fathers and other caregivers. So far, more than 50 participants in Butts, Spalding, and Troup counties have signed up. Many are already receiving the services at no cost, which include case managers, nurse navigators, doula services, and classes on pregnancy and infant care, parenting, and nutrition. The grant also covers transportation needs.  

“This grant allows us to better connect clinical expertise with community support to improve the health of women and families in Georgia counties that have the greatest need,” said Preston Hendrickson, Wellstar’s Assistant Vice President of Women’s Health Services. “We’re thrilled about the opportunities that the Healthy Start grant will make available to families that live, work, and play in Troup, Butts, and Spalding counties.”   

A family’s income or insurance status does not factor into who qualifies. Any expectant or new parent can receive care through the program. To apply, fill out the confidential questionnaire at wellstar.org/healthystart.