First Steps and Beyond and Allegheny Health Network Host Inaugural Wellness and Self Care Day at Allegheny General Hospital

AHN and Highmark Health Join Forces with Glimmer of Hope to Bring Massages, Facials, Manicures and Health Screenings to More than 20 New Mothers and Birthing People Over the Weekend

PITTSBURGH – First Steps and Beyond (FSB), an organization established by Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) to reduce Black infant mortality, improve maternal health outcomes and lower preterm birth rates, teamed up with Glimmer of Hope on Saturday, bringing more than 20 new mothers and their family members together at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) to provide health screenings and spa-like pampering services.

Saturday’s event marked the launch of the Highmark Health Equitable Health Institute’s ongoing “Wellness and Self-Care” Series, which invites expecting mothers, birthing people and those in their fourth trimester to come together for a day of relaxation and complimentary health screenings including mammograms, breast exams, skin checks, echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) and blood pressure screenings.

“We’re beyond thrilled for our remarkable turnout at our premiere women’s wellness and self-care day at Allegheny General Hospital,” said Takiyah Durham, CCHW, MBA, Director of First Steps and Beyond. “Many of these women often put their loved ones before themselves, but this program is deeply committed to rewriting that narrative and driving home that their well-being is just as important, and that they need to carve out time to take care of themselves and their health.”

In total, more than 42 health screenings and over 60 spa services were provided on Saturday.

Saturday’s event would not be possible without the generous contributions from local community organizations, businesses and partners, Durham said.

Bella Capelli Academy provided all manicures and facials, and AHN’s Outpatient Therapy team offered massages to those in attendance, all at no cost. AHN clinicians volunteered their time to provide appropriate health screenings to those interested and offer referrals to follow-up care.

“We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who contributed their time, skills and talent to make this a special day for our attendees,” said Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, Chief Clinical Officer of the Highmark Health Equitable Health Institute. “We also would like to thank Glimmer of Hope for their unwavering support of our organization and their perseverance in advancing therapies, awareness and research to eradicate breast cancer in our community.”

Highmark Heath’s Equitable Health Institute plans to host its second event in the “Wellness and Self-Care” series geared toward fathers and birthing partners.

In April, First Steps and Beyond partnered with the local chapter of the American Heart Association to launch a “Food is Medicine” pilot program, in which expecting women and birthing people can redeem vouchers for fresh produce at participating grocery stores, including Instacart. The program is another example of FSB’s efforts to support maternal and infant well-being by delivering much-needed resources and health care services in non-traditional ways. 

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