March 7, 2024

The Drexel Sanitation Health Aid Relief Project (SHARP), which aims to raise awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues in marginalized populations locally and globally, hosted a kit packing event last month to benefit the Center for Hope, which serves unhoused Philadelphians. The Drexel Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) was invited to speak on maternal, child, and adolescent health, women’s hygiene, and reproductive health during the event. Prayah Shah, 2024 MCHSO Secretary, served as the guest speaker.

The event aimed to address the critical issues surrounding women's hygiene and reproductive health, acknowledging the significant impact they have on maternal and child wellbeing.

With a collaborative effort from volunteers and participants, the core activity of the event was the assembly of hygiene kits tailored to meet the specific needs of women.

Attendees enthusiastically engaged in the kit packing process, demonstrating their commitment to supporting women's health initiatives. The kits were thoughtfully curated to include essential hygiene products such as sanitary pads, menstrual cups, wipes, soap, deodorants, and other related items. Each kit was assembled with care, ensuring that it would contribute positively to the recipients' hygiene practices and overall wellbeing.

“As a representative of MCHSO, I had the honor of delivering a presentation on maternal and child health, emphasizing the importance of access to quality healthcare services, education, and resources for expectant mothers and young children," said Prayah Shah, 2024 MCHSO Secretary.

Afterwards, Shah detailed her presentation: "I covered key MCH topics including prenatal care, adolescent teen reproductive & sexual health, nutritional needs during pregnancy and infancy to underprivileged mothers, and the significance of immunization in children to prevent diseases. Additionally, I presented a brief overview of MCH activities including journal club, workshops, networking events, documentary screenings, research & community service opportunities, internships, that are being carried out by our organization."  

MCHSO invites all Drexel students interested in MCH to get engaged and help support future events.

To learn more about upcoming events, send an email to MCHSO 2024 President Marissa Campbell at mc4494@drexel.edu or Vice President Mridula Ghotane at mg3855@drexel.edu.

You can also follow the group on Instagram @Drexel_mchso and using DragonLink and join the Maternal and Child Health Program listserv by emailing MCHdrexel.edu.

About the Maternal and Child Health Program

Dornsife's Maternal and Child Health Program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

Learn more about Dornsife's MCH program and upcoming MCH events.