Free gift card for doctor's visit

LUCAS COUNTY - Pregnant women who live in certain zip codes in Lucas County are eligible for free help that will provide them with resources to have a healthy baby.

It's part of the Pathways Program through the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio which is an initiative supported by various organizations throughout the area.

Pregnant women who live in the 43604, 43607 and 43610 zip codes are given a partner who helps them with any scheduling concerns or problems that may arise which could keep them from getting the care they need. In some cases, women receive gift cards, diapers or baby formula for attending regular check-ups.

"The ZIP codes that we're serving are areas that have been hit hard by the economy that are areas people have trouble with jobs and family support," said Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio Vice President, Jan Ruma. 

"Often times just the challenges of getting through the day, figuring out where you're going to sleep at night if you don't have a stable living situation [can] get in the way of taking care of yourself and the pregnancy."

Ruma explains nationwide women who live in low income areas have lower birth weights than those who live in the suburbs.