Well Program
What is the Well Program?
These people might be experiencing pregnancy, might need support accessing birth control or might need support in working with Child and Family Services. Substance users face a lot of stigma, and pregnant women who are using substances are especially stigmatized.
The Well team has witnessed the stigma associated with healthcare professionals. Our participants often do not wish to attend appointments alone because they fear how they will be treated. The Well team can support participants to ensure they receive appropriate medical care, which is especially important for our pregnant participants.
Services Offered by The Well Program
- Basic needs — We can provide participants with healthy snacks, transportation to appointments, and parenting and prenatal supplies such as diapers and prenatal vitamins.
- Attending medical appointments—Many of our participants fear being stigmatized by healthcare professionals and receiving poor treatment. Support at their appointments allows us to advocate for them and ensure they receive good medical care. We will also attend other appointments, such as housing, court, and Child and Family Services meetings.
- Nursing assessments and service navigation— Well has a part-time nurse who can answer medical questions and provide assessments. Well also has a full-time case service navigator who will follow all aspects of the participant’s case.
- Education — We will educate our participants on reproductive health, sexual health, risk reduction, and prenatal care.
- Referrals, connections, and warm handoffs — When our participants require a service we cannot provide, we will find the right program to fit their needs and provide a warm handoff whenever possible.
- Emotional support – Pregnancy can be an emotional time for any person. We will provide emotional support to our program participants to add additional support.