Mon Health Medical Center raises funds for comprehensive perinatal depression program

The 57th Annul Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary's Ball of the Year will benefit the development of a community-focused perinatal depression program, one of only 13 in the nation.

The annual fundraising event will be held on November 16, 2019, at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfont Place. Over the past five decades, this yearly community event has helped raise nearly $2 million for local, patient care.

"We are excited the Ball of the Year committee and the Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary chose to help raise the initial funds for a much-needed, dedicated perinatal depression program," said Jill Buterbaugh, Director of Women's Services at Mon Health. "One in 10 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. The need for the project is strong with this comprehensive service not being offered elsewhere in the community."

This program will expand Mon Health Medical Center's current offerings, and collaborate with existing area programs, for a more comprehensive, consistent service for families in need. The Ball of the Year is just one of many fundraising efforts Mon Health Medical Center is working on to bring this program to North Central West Virginia

We celebrate and recognize that a delivery is not just the birth of a baby. It is the birth of a mother, a father and a family. It is for this reason the program, once completed, will not only be offered to mothers, but extended to the entire family through Mon Health Obstetrics & Gynecology.

"A strong support system is vital in helping a patient's mental health during and after pregnancy," explained Shane Prettyman, MD, OBGYN and co-medical director of Mon Health Medical Center Women's Health Services. "Extending this program to family members can aid in creating a positive environment for our patients. It is our goal at Mon Health to have a program that provides screening from the beginning of care through all stages of pregnancy and post-pregnancy."

Mon Health is recognizing many milestones this year with the 20th anniversaries of the Hazel Ruby McQuain Family Birth Center renovations and the Village at Heritage Point along with Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary celebrating its 75th anniversary. Committee members wish to support an initiative centered on women's health and the families we serve in the community that we call home.

"This is a special year not only for the Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary, the Village at Heritage Point, but also for our highly regarded birth center," said David Goldberg, Mon Health System CEO. "Having a community-focused project will not only help those in North Central West Virginia but will bring vital awareness to postpartum depression, something that effects a lot of people and their families in all communities we serve."

Ball of the Year sponsorships and tickets are available for businesses and individuals at theballoftheyear.com or by contacting Aimee Harris at 304-598-1324 or HarrisA@monhealthsys.org.