Community Programs

With a goal to increase access to health care for uninsured women and to detect cancers early, Providence St. Mary Medical Center’s Community Health Department continues to offer its Well Woman Program at stationary clinics in Apple Valley, Adelanto and Hesperia as well as from its Bright Futures mobile van.

Screening exams for breast and cervical cancer are offered at all clinic sites for women without insurance or the ability to pay for services. Our nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwives provide personal and confidential care. Examinations include a breast exam, pap smear and a referral for a mammogram.

Funded in part by San Bernardino County’s Cancer Detection Program, staff members work together to meet and develop coordinated resources for women’s breast and cervical care in local communities.

For more information, call 760-946-4240.

Breast Cancer Survivors

Meets the third Tuesday of every month, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Administrative Services Conference Room
Call 760-242-2311, ext. 8224

Classes

Ready or not, this series of 4 classes will help you prepare for your baby's big arrival. Topics covered include Stages of Labor, Pain Management, Breathing and Relaxation, and Caring for Yourself and Your Infant. Plan to attend during your 8th month of pregnancy.

There is an all day Saturday class available.

Pre-registration required. Cost: $60 per couple.

For more information, please call 760-946-4241.

Healthy Beginnings program

Healthy Beginnings offers a holistic approach toward pregnancy and provides enhanced services for eligible pregnant and postpartum women. It is a contracted Medi-Cal program. One of our primary goals is to ensure women receive prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy. Staff members take extra steps to encourage women in the program by elevating their self-esteem and empowering them with knowledge of self-care, childbirth education and community resources.

Services include:

• Prenatal care
• Counseling services
• 24-hour on-call emergency aid
• Health education
• Nutrition counseling
• Weight management
• Postpartum care
• Mother-baby assessment
• Community referrals
• Healthy Families and Medi-Cal insurance assistance

A diverse health care team supports moms, babies and families through the pregnancy and beyond. Certified nurse midwives provide patients with personal, family-centered care during pregnancy, delivery and the post-delivery period. Clinical social workers help patients and family members better understand and cope with any problem or stressor, as well as individual, marital, couples and group supportive counseling during prenatal care. Nurses and health workers educate and support patients and their families. Healthy Families outreach workers assist families in obtaining health insurance. Clerical staff schedule appointments and help with any questions regarding health insurance or billing.

Helping others feel worthwhile is the inspiration that elevates this program.

For more information about the Healthy Beginnings program, please call 760-946-8169.

Maternity services

At Providence St. Mary Medical Center we know that the birth of a baby is one of life's most precious miracles. Our team of specially trained nurses and health care workers know the importance of offering personalized care, which is why our staff strives to accommodate any specific preferences you might have during your stay with us.

Maternity tours

Maternity tours help to familiarize parents-to-be with the labor and delivery department. During the tours, we answer questions about the birthing process and introduce our specialized team of OB nurses. Our goal is to help relieve any anxiety by providing a complete picture of the events surrounding childbirth. For further information or to register for a maternity tour, please call 760-946-4241. The maternity tour is no charge and pre-registration is required.

Learn about our Diabetes Education Center.

Mother-Baby Assessment Clinic

The Mother/Baby Assessment Center, with its dedicated office space, examination room and maternal child registered nurse, evaluates the well-being of mother and baby during what is considered the most critical phase after childbirth—the first few days a woman is home with her new child and is no longer surrounded by the support of a hospital staff. It is our intent to answer questions during the first week when reality hits, as well as to identify any medical complications early-on. This program, with its focus on prevention and education, is intended to catch postpartum problems early and eliminate unnecessary consequences that could result in re-hospitalization of mother or baby. For further information, please call 760-217-5971.

"Mommy and Me"

"Mommy and Me" is a Community Benefit Program offered by Providence St. Mary Medical Center to all mothers and newborn babies residing in the High Desert area. Two or three days after discharge from the hospital, a registered nurse is available to review your recovery, and weigh and check your baby. We will answer your infant care, infant nutrition, and recovery questions, as well as guide you in caring for your newborn.

We offer reassurance of normal recovery and provide a place of support for new moms. This follow-up visit is a complimentary community service provided by Providence St. Mary Medical Center. "Mommy and Me" does not take the place of your follow-up appointments with your physician or nurse-midwife, nor does it replace your infant's "well-baby" checkup with the pediatrician.

M.O.M.S. (Mothers Offering Mothers Support)

A support group for both breast-fed and bottle-fed infants, which meets the first and third Fridays of each month from 1 -  2:30 p.m. in our Apple Valley Community Health Center. No appointment is necessary. All mothers of babies (ages 3 weeks to 6 months) are welcome to join our M.O.M.S. group! Meet and connect with other moms, babies and Providence St. Mary staff. It's a great place for a discussion on infant and self-care, breastfeeding, parenting and nutrition, and to learn about milestones and track your baby's development. For more information, call 760-242-2311, ext. 8443.

Learn the art of non-violent discipline and how to spend quality time with your children. STEPS is a series of 7 classes offered once a week at various times in 3 local communities. Offered in English and Spanish.

Pre-registration required. No charge. Classes sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino.

For more information, please call 760-242-2311, ext. 8223