W C Commissioners Proclaim Midwifery Week

(Honesdale, September 29, 2022)…October 2nd-8th 2022 is Midwifery Week in Wayne County. A proclamation has been issued by the Wayne County Commissioners in recognition of the midwives at the Women’s Health Center (WHC), part of Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC). The nurse midwives provide prenatal care and facilitate births at the New Beginnings Birthing Suites of Wayne Memorial Hospital. Additionally, they offer postpartum care, annual gynecological exams, family planning and menopause counseling.

All three commissioners commended the midwifery program at Wayne Memorial and the entire staff at the WHC for the “personalized great quality of care,” as stated by Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer. Commissioners’ Chair Brian Smith expressed his confidence  saying “all six of my children were born at Wayne Memorial.”

The midwifery program began at Wayne Memorial about 30 years ago. Certified Nurse Midwife Pat Konzman has been here since the start. “I am so thankful to keep this OB program going and glad to have the community support,” she said. WMCHC Executive Director Frederick Jackson said he’s “proud of the OB staff” and noted the “nine percent growth in births this year.”

The Women’s Health Center is moving to a new location at 626 Park St Honesdale (formerly Northeast Eye) early in October. The annual Midwifery Mingle will be celebrated there on Thursday, October 20th from 1 pm to 3 pm. The community is welcome to attend and enjoy the free event.

Photo: front row, left to right: Heather Kellam, office supervisor, WHC, Heather Mecone, CNM, Frederick Jackson, executive director, WMCHC, Pat Konzman, CNM, Kara Poremba, RN practice manager, WHC. Back row: WC Commissioners Jocelyn Cramer, Brian Smith, Joe Adams