MAHEC Launches Innovative Child Health Program with Support from First Horizon Foundation’s 2024 Grants for Good Campaign
Apr 07, 2025 03:41PM ● By WNC Business
Holding check, from left: Kevin Hefner, Area President Western Carolinas, First Horizon Bank; William Hathaway, MD, CEO, MAHEC (quoted in release). Middle row: Amy Russell, MD, Chief Medical & Population Health Officer, MAHEC; Betty Silver, Branch Manager, First Horizon; Jamie Johnson, Client Specialist, First Horizon; Katherine Mansfield, Credit Analyst, First Horizon; Melissa Duong, CRA, First Horizon; Stephanie Rosener, MD, Chair, Dept. of Family Medicine, MAHEC (quoted in release). Top row: Heather Wingert, Director of Development, MAHEC; Jacqueline Donnelly, Pre-Awards Grant Manager, MAHEC; Peter Best, Asheville Market President, First Horizon; Sara Means, VP, Private Client Relationship Manager, First Horizon; Dan Anderson, Commercial Relationship Manager, First Horizon; Evans Duncan, Portfolio Manager, First Horizon.
An innovative child and family health program called Centering Parenting® has launched at MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore, thanks to a $10,000 grant from First Horizon Foundation and its 2024 Grants for Good campaign. The group-based model of well-child care brings together parents, support people, and their same-age infants with healthcare providers and fellow parents, supporting the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the babies as well as their families.
MAHEC is the only site for the Centering Parenting program in Western North Carolina, and one of only five in the state.
"Centering Parenting takes a family-centered approach to well-child visits and provides a safe environment where parents can learn, ask questions, and support one another,” said MAHEC Family Medicine Department Chair Stephanie Rosener, MD (pictured in attached photo). “They learn that other parents have the same questions and concerns, and through mutual support, they develop more confidence in their parenting skills. Families develop a real sense of community, and groups often stay connected for many years to come.”
As a published author and researcher with a focus on maternal child health among other topics, Dr. Rosener has witnessed first-hand the lasting benefits of Centering Parenting in previous roles prior to joining MAHEC last year. For example, children enrolled in Centering Parenting have higher immunization rates, extended breastfeeding, and improved early parental bonding. Mothers benefit from more opportunities to screen for postpartum conditions such as maternal mental health. In addition, group activities and discussions reinforce healthy choices for the entire family.
“We are honored that First Horizon Foundation selected MAHEC for this grant from among 3,500 applications, recognizing the impact this program will have on families in Western North Carolina,” said MAHEC CEO William R. Hathaway, MD (pictured in attached photo). “Their generosity extends beyond the grant for Centering Parenting—First Horizon also donated an additional $10,000 to MAHEC for hurricane relief. We are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to our mission of meeting our community’s healthcare needs.”
Find more information and FAQs about Centering Parenting at mahec.net/family-health/centering-parenting or call MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore, (828) 257-4730.
Source: MAHEC.