this is your gift - Methodist Health System

2011 Crossroads Annual Report
2
this is your creation
You’re helping more babies arrive on time
“Oh, this baby’s moving! What’d you have for breakfast?”
exclaims Darlene Howl, women’s health care nurse practitioner,
to a young mom 30 weeks along in her pregnancy.
The little guy has the hiccups, and both she and Howl
giggle about his tiny noises as they listen to him through
a Doppler device.
This is just one brief, touching glimpse at the Life Shines
Bright Pregnancy Program, established at the Methodist
Dallas Medical Center Golden Cross Academic Clinic three
years ago to bring down the area’s preterm birthrate —
averaging a staggering 18 percent.
Of the 300 women who have completed the program
since 2008, only 5.6 percent of them had preterm births.
That rate beats not only the county, state, and national
averages today, it’s also 4 percentage points lower than
the March of Dimes’ national goal for 2020.
Such overwhelmingly positive statistics don’t just appear,
however. Stephen Patrick, MD, residency program director
for obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) and OB/GYN department
chair for Methodist Dallas, credits generous donors,
the talents of dedicated staff, and some perfect timing
back in 2007.
The program is a shining example of how extra time with
a provider, education about a healthy pregnancy, and a
nurturing environment can save a baby’s life — and future.