Community Action Network
The Community Action Network (CAN) is a collaboration of organizations, agencies, programs, and individuals in central Iowa with a focus on improving the lives of people in our community. Through the development of educational tools and resources, we help providers, caregivers, parents, and other community members understand best practices in caring for children and families.
Looking for free nurse visits, access to baby supplies or parenting education? Complete this form or call EveryStep for assistance, 515-558-9946.
CAN Community Partners
The following organizations are proud to be part of the Community Action Network:
Maternal Mortality Campaign
According to Iowa’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee Report-IDPH, the following statistics highlight the truth of maternal mortality in our communities:
- Maternal mortality is higher in the US compared to any other developed nation.
- Over 60% of maternal deaths in the US from childbirth are preventable.
- In Iowa, for every white individual that dies, 6 black individuals die.
Healthcare providers, family, friends, and everyone in the community must listen to, hear, empower, and advocate for our pregnant and post-partum people. If you are pregnant or had a baby within the last year, if something doesn’t feel right or you know something is wrong, say something. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/hearher.
Maternal Mortality Brochure
Events
Baby Bloom and Celebration of Black Motherhood
Pregnant or have a child under the age of 1 year? Thinking about starting a family? This FREE event will provide plenty of resources for you.
April 20, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More details
Maternal Mortality Shirts
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This t-shirt was created to spread awareness about maternal mortality, specifically death that occurs during pregnancy or within one year after the end of pregnancy. Anyone interested in ordering free brochures and/or t-shirts can email CANinfo@everystep.org and/or call 515-558-9971. |
Maternal Mortality Video
Safe Sleep Campaign
The Safe Sleep campaign is the first initiative of the Community Action Network. Launched in early 2020, this educational campaign creates awareness and promotes safe sleep practices with the goal of preventing sleep-related infant deaths. To do this, we provide group education to pregnant women, caregivers, and others who work directly with those audiences.
As part of the campaign, CAN also developed a safe sleep toolkit designed for home visitors, medical professionals, and community members. The toolkit includes a custom-designed screening tool that can be used to help identify risk factors in homes and childcare settings and serves as a way to introduce safe sleep conversations with caregivers. The kit also contains a wealth of educational resources and handouts, including some resources in Spanish. A list of community resources is also provided should families need additional support.
Our team of educators is available to make on-site presentations. Each participant will receive a flash drive and hard copy of the toolkit to keep at no charge. If you would like to learn more, please email CANinfo@everystep.org or call (515) 558-9971. If you would like to download resources click the buttons below.
Here is a listing of additional infant safe sleep education resources:
Note: CAN began reaching out to the community in February 2020 with educational sessions scheduled for April; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have halted our in-person education efforts. These sessions will resume at a later date.
Safe Sleep Education for Professionals Video
Video created in collaboration with UnityPoint Health.
Healthy Start
CAN is led by the Healthy Start Project of EveryStep. To learn more about Healthy Start, click here.
Future Initiatives
As this collaboration grows stronger, CAN will continue to develop educational initiatives to improve the lives of people in our community. If your organization is interested in becoming a part of this group, please email CANinfo@everystep.org or call (515) 558-9971.
Interest Form
I am interested in becoming an Infant Safe Sleep Educator and receive a toolkit. Please send me more information.