2006 Archive

Health for Two Prenatal Program

Liz Kozakevich and her son D.J.

Providing a positive impact on health and life

Liz Kozakevich was 36 years old when she became pregnant with her son, D.J. She had a low income and many questions about being pregnant and what this change would mean to her. Kozakevich, like many other low income moms-to-be, turned to the Health for Two program.

Health for Two is a prenatal program that offers health information, nutrition guidance, and overall support to promote the health of pregnant women and babies. The program is accessed most often by low-income women who need special assistance to acquire resources and support networks.

"I felt valued and affirmed as a pregnant woman and a human being when I had my visits," says Kozakevich. "My 15-20 minute visits made a difference in my pregnancy. It was a special part of my day knowing that I would have time to talk to someone about my pregnancy and the other concerns that came up."

Because the program had such a positive impact on her life, Kozakevich felt compelled to help other women in her situation. Kozakevich is now a Health for Two representative at the Edmonton Native Healing Centre. Her role, as she describes it, is to make her clients feel comfortable so that they rejoice in their pregnancy.

Kozakevich says, "Rejoicing in pregnancy creates a positive state of mind that produces healthier babies."

Working with the Aboriginal community, Kozakevich feels she can offer other Aboriginal women sound advice based on first-hand experience. "I am frank with my clients and tell them that the decisions they make have to make them feel good about who they are. When their self-confidence is high they realize other people treat them better." She also knows from experience that being sure of who you are and what you want gives the power to say no when temptation comes along.

Capital Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada sponsor the Health for Two program. Because the program is needed in many communities the program relies on over 30 community partners, including Public Health Centres and organizations like the Edmonton Native Healing Centre.

Lorraine Green, a Health for Two consultant with Capital Health, says "The program reaches deep into communities and provides a platform for pregnant women to ask any question about what is happening through the stages of pregnancy."

The program also provides women with an excellent resource binder that is discussed during their visits and can be taken home to refer to.

"Providing these women with information, resources such as milk coupons and prenatal vitamins, and an open-door policy gives them and their babies the healthiest start possible," says Green.

Kozakevich's motto in life is "finding my path, honouring my purpose." Though she says finding her path is a life-long process, she feels she is honouring her purpose through Health for Two.

For more information on Health for Two offered through the Healthy Babies program in the Capital Health region, please contact Capital Health Link at 408-LINK (5465) or, outside the local calling area, call toll-free, 1-866-408-LINK.