MiSN’s Certified Navigators provide 1 to 1 in-person assistance, free of charge, in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties. NAVIGATORS assist individuals and families determine their eligibility for health insurance through the NY State of Health Marketplace.
Having a baby is challenging at any age, no matter what the circumstances may be. This challenge may be elevated for some moms to be, including teens who may not have a strong support system or access to medical care and other support services
Breast milk is a natural, perfectly packaged baby’s first food and contains a unique blend of nutrients to support your baby’s healthy development. The act of breastfeeding strengthens the mother-baby bonding process, and gives moms and babies many health benefits including obesity prevention, immunity, and psychological closeness.
MiSN’s MID-HUDSON LACTATION CONSORTIUM (MHLC)
MHLC was organized in 1992 in response to the need to promote breastfeeding as the Gold Standard for infant nutrition to the medical and general community. MHLC became an International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) affiliate chapter in 1996 under the coordination of MiSN. MHLC members are professionals who support breastfeeding at hospitals, health centers, community based organizations, and within the community in private practice. MHLC:
Women’s Wellness for Life!
Health is a Journey . . .Take the First Steps
Getting healthy and staying healthy is a lifelong process. Through an individualized approach we encourage and empower women and girls to make healthy choices.
- Need health insurance? We can help you enroll.
- Find your health insurance plan confusing? We help you to understand it and use it better.
- Don’t have a Primary Care provider? We help you find one that takes your insurance or if you do not have insurance we can help find low cost and sliding scale services.
- Need a referral for family planning, pregnancy testing, STI testing? We can help you navigate the available resources.
- Need help putting food on the table or getting clothing? We can inform you and connect you to services in your community.
- Need to figure out which steps you need to take now to improve your health? We can guide you to make a plan and take the first steps to achieve your personal priorities and life goals.
Healthy Teens and Preteens
MiSN fosters the health of teens and preteens by building upon strengths that are already present. Our youth programs help young people to tap into their own inner resources and create meaningful relationships with their peers and adults. A big part of that is getting to know what matters to you including how to take care of your body, your feelings, and your dreams for the future. Through this approach teens gain the confidence and skills they need for successful transitions to adulthood.
MiSN implements evidence- based and promising youth development and teen pregnancy prevention programs in a variety of settings that have been thoroughly tested and proven to reduce the risk factors associated with teen pregnancies and becoming a teen parent.
What’s New at MiSN
About MiSN
MiSN is a community –based non-profit Perinatal Network that was established in 1990 to improve birth outcomes and reduce ethnic and racial disparities leading to infant mortality, maternal mortality, preterm birth and low birth weight babies.
To achieve these goals MiSN is dedicated to family and community health and wellness across the lifespan. We serve all members of the community with information, education, support and referrals to achieve better health at every stage of life. Through collaborative partnerships with the medical, educational, human services, and faith-based sectors, MiSN paves the way to healthy futures in the Mid-Hudson Region.
Because our children are our future, MiSN places a high priority on offering education and resources to support pregnant women and women of child bearing age and their families, as well as adolescents and teens.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Rhett Weires, President
- Jesse Sarubbi, Vice President
- Sarah Uzelac, Secretary
- Deb Cashara, Treasurer
- Lisa De Martino
- Geoff Freidlander
- Carol Hardesty
- Malinda Ware
- Kirby Zummo
Contact our Staff
Caren Fairweather, Executive Director
Lisa Massarelli, Fiscal Manager
Violet Cleary, Office Manager
Stephanie Sosnowski, Deputy Director Community and Perinatal Programs
Jacqueline Kellachan, Women’s Health and Wellness Program Manager
Lynda Brady, Health Insurance Programs Manager
Ramona Burton, Adolescent Health and Wellness Program Manager
Jennie Wuerz, Hudson Valley CBO HUB Coordinator
Zara St. Croix, Culture of Health Coordinator