TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Health Department held its 10th annual North Tulsa Community Baby Shower on Saturday, providing expecting parents and families with young children valuable resources about maternal and infant health.
This year’s event took place at the YMCA gym located on the Tulsa Community College Northeast Campus, featuring around 35 to 40 vendors. Families had the chance to learn about important topics related to infant health and safety while also connecting with local organizations that offer support during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Robin Daniels, who manages the Healthy Start program at the Tulsa Health Department, highlighted how the event directly benefits families in the North Tulsa area. “Resources in our community can be limited,” she noted.
One of the challenges families face is transportation when trying to access services throughout Tulsa. The Healthy Start program is addressing this issue by offering transportation to help clients reach the support they need.
Daniels pointed out that North Tulsa struggles with a higher infant mortality rate compared to South Tulsa and some other neighborhoods, underlining the need for increased resources and community awareness. “We clearly need more focus and resources for this community,” she emphasized.
For Tulsa resident Tamara Grundy, attending the baby shower was a chance to better support her family while exploring the available resources for parents. She came to the event with her younger sister, who is expecting twins.
Grundy expressed concern about the economic challenges many in their community face, saying, “A lot of people really need help right now.” She sees the event as a great way to unify everyone and provide the needed support.
She also mentioned that many residents might not be aware of the resources available in North Tulsa, highlighting the importance of spreading the word. “There are so many community resources out there that people don’t know about. We just need to advertise them more,” Grundy explained.
While her family has a strong support network, she believes it’s crucial for expecting parents to be informed about additional services in case their situation changes. “This being her first child, it’s important to gather all the info you can,” Grundy advised. “You never know what might happen; jobs could be lost, or a family member could pass away.”
The annual baby shower not only prepares families for the arrival of a new baby, but it also connects them with organizations and ongoing services to support them well beyond the event.
