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Rotary D5910 Boosts Maternal & Child Health Initiative

**Rotary District 5910 Mobilizes for Major Maternal and Child Health Summit in The Woodlands**

**THE WOODLANDS, TX – May 1, 2024** – Rotary District 5910 is set to significantly amplify its commitment to Maternal & Child Health, one of Rotary International’s seven crucial “Areas of Focus,” by hosting a major summit on **Saturday, May 11, 2024**. The comprehensive event, designed to educate and empower Rotary clubs across the region, will take place at **The John Cooper School in The Woodlands**.

Leading this vital initiative is Dr. Anardeli “Ana” Ledesma, District 5910’s Maternal & Child Health Pillar Chair. Dr. Ledesma is spearheading efforts to equip local Rotary clubs with the knowledge and resources needed to address critical health issues affecting mothers and children in their communities and internationally.

“The health and well-being of mothers and children are foundational to the strength of any community,” Dr. Ledesma stated. “Our goal with this summit is to shine a light on the stark realities facing families today, from alarming maternal mortality rates to persistent challenges in child health, and empower our clubs to be part of the solution. We want to provide the tools, the education, and the inspiration to make a tangible difference.”

The May 11th summit promises a full day of expert insights and practical guidance. Attendees will hear from distinguished medical professionals including **Dr. Jill B. K. Adams, MD, MPH**, an OB/GYN specializing in high-risk pregnancies, who will address the complex challenges impacting maternal health in the U.S. Pediatrician **Dr. Theresa W. Akin, MD**, will then delve into similar hurdles within child health. Their discussions are slated to cover a range of critical topics, including fetal alcohol syndrome, the pervasive issue of postpartum depression, essential nutrition, and the overall mental health landscape for new mothers.

“The U.S. continues to face disturbingly high rates of maternal mortality, a crisis that disproportionately affects Black women,” noted Dr. Adams. “Events like this summit are crucial for raising awareness and fostering community-led interventions that can truly save lives and improve health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.”

Beyond clinical expertise, the summit will offer practical workshops on how Rotary clubs can successfully apply for both District and Global Grants to fund their own local and international maternal and child health projects. This financial guidance is key to transforming awareness into action.

A standout new initiative Dr. Ledesma is launching is the **”Rotary D5910 Moms to Moms” program**. Inspired by her own grandmother, this mentorship program aims to connect experienced mothers with new moms, particularly those grappling with health challenges, postpartum depression, or a lack of robust support systems. The program will begin its rollout in **Montgomery County**, with plans for broader expansion across the district.

“Many new mothers feel isolated and overwhelmed,” Dr. Ledesma explained. “‘Moms to Moms’ is about building a village around them. It’s about compassionate connection, sharing wisdom, and providing a lifeline of support that can make all the difference during such a vulnerable time.”

This concentrated effort by Rotary District 5910, with enthusiastic support from local clubs such as the Rotary Club of Conroe, directly confronts stark realities such as the high maternal mortality rates in the U.S. and child mortality, striving to make a tangible difference in the health and well-being of families across the region and beyond. By focusing on preventative care and strengthening local health systems, District 5910 aims to foster healthier, more resilient communities.

The summit is open to all Rotary members and interested community leaders. For more information on the May 11th summit, including registration details, or to learn more about Rotary District 5910’s Maternal & Child Health initiatives, please visit the District 5910 website at Rotary5910.org.

**About Rotary District 5910:**
Rotary District 5910 encompasses numerous Rotary clubs across Southeast Texas, dedicated to promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. Through local projects and international initiatives, Rotary members unite to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

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