May 16, 2025

By Allora Atiyeh, Vice President, Maternal and Child Health Student Organization, 1st year MPH Student, Department of Health Management and Policy

Each year, Drexel University’s Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) celebrates Mother's Day and National Women’s Health Week with a meaningful service project dedicated to mothers and those acting as mothers, whose children are receiving care at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Located in North Philadelphia, St. Christopher’s is co-owned by Drexel University and Tower Health.

This year, MCHSO students prepared and donated 70 self-care kits filled with thoughtful items, including hand lotion, face masks, hair scrunchies, lip balm, hand sanitizer, mint gum, pens, and daily journals. The inclusion of journals encouraged mothers to reflect, release their thoughts, or simply take a moment for themselves during a stressful and emotional time.

The kits were distributed throughout the hospital over Mother’s Day weekend with the help of Anna Boyd, Program Coordinator in the Special Needs Department. Deliveries reached a variety of departments, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Baby Clinic at the Center for the Urban Child.

MCHSO President Bengucan Gunen shared her thoughts on the impact of the initiative:

“Having a child in the NICU can be an emotionally complex experience for new mothers, filled with joy, gratitude, and often sadness or anxiety. I’m so glad so many students showed up to support new moms at St. Christopher's. As MCHSO officers and members, we care deeply about making a direct impact and showing up for our community. We’re excited to keep bringing Drexel students together for events like this in the future.”

This event continues a meaningful tradition that brings together students, staff, and hospital partners in a shared act of compassion and community support.

“St. Christopher’s Hospital is humbled and inspired to receive the Mother’s Day Bags from the wonderful Maternal Child Health Group at Drexel Dornsife," said said Dr. Renee Turchi, the MCHSO Faculty Advisor and Pediatrician at St. Chris. "The thoughtfulness, kindness and love that went into the bags made such a difference for our families and mothers cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. These acts of kindness bring smiles at a time where mother’s need it. We are so grateful.”

MCHSO is proud to support maternal well-being and remains committed to offering service opportunities that uplift families across Philadelphia.

To learn more about MCHSO or get involved, students can follow us on Instagram @Drexel_mchso or request to join via DragonLink. For any questions, reach out to President Bengucan Gunen (bg594@drexel.edu) or Vice President Allora Atiyeh (aaa629@drexel.edu). MCHSO welcomes all Drexel University students passionate about maternal and child health to participate in future events!