Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Funds Pilot OB Connect Program

THE JENNIFER BUSH-LAWSON FOUNDATION FUNDS PILOT OB CONNECT PROGRAM

CONTACT
Kelly Garrity
703-462-2336, kgarrity@jb-lf.org

Arlington, VA: June 2021

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation (JBLF) provided $38,000 to the Virginia Hospital Center for the pilot of the Hospital’s OB Connect program, which provides patients with the flexibility to receive prenatal care from home.

“Just as people have gotten used to tracking their health with watches and other wearable devices, our patients have easy-to-use home monitoring equipment to keep their OB/GYN provider apprised of their vital signs,” said Amanda Rohn, MD, FACOG, VHC Physician Group-OB/GYN. “VHC OB Connect represents a new age of medicine, where we are using technology to make care more convenient for patients and, at the same time, giving them greater access to their healthcare providers.”

Rather than visiting the office for every appointment, OB Connect patients schedule some remote appointments, called Continuing Care Visits, via secure video. The program provides participants with a fetal Doppler to check their baby’s heart rate and an electronic blood pressure cuff for personal blood pressure monitoring. Patients then report these readings to their nurses two days before each appointment through the MyVHC patient portal, allowing nurses to review results and consult doctors and midwives as needed. 

“VHC’s OB Connect program is an essential step in the movement for accessible prenatal care for economically vulnerable moms,” said Neal Lawson, founder and chair of the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation. “With virtual appointments, patients will not have to take time off work, pay for childcare or parking, or rush to appointments. We hope that by funding this program, we can reduce the financial burdens and added stress that so often come with seeking care during pregnancy.”

The JBLF grant provides funding for OB Connect Nurses, at-home care kits for patients, the OB Connect educational app, and the printing and translation of program materials to Spanish for increased accessibility. Additionally, the donation allows patients of VHC’s Outpatient Clinic to access this brand-new program free of charge.

“We cannot thank the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation enough for their generous donation to Virginia Hospital Center,” said Michelle Altman, MBA, MSN, RN, Patient Care Director. “The OB Connect program is transformational for our Outpatient Clinic patients, providing them with reliable access to convenient, top-quality prenatal care.”

The OB Connect program is closely connected to the mission of the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation. Founded in honor of Jenn Lawson, who lost her life in 2014, the organization works to increase access to quality maternal and infant care for economically vulnerable families.

The VHC Physician Group-OB/GYN is the first and only OB/GYN practice in the area to offer a service of this type to their patients. The program is now in full force at VHC, and recently, the first mother to enroll in the program completed a successful delivery.

About the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation

Established in honor of Jennifer Lawson, who lost her life in 2014, the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, serves economically vulnerable mothers and infants by working to increase access to high-quality maternal and pediatric health care and support. Jennifer was a loving, dedicated mother of three, driven to advocacy after receiving high-quality care during her own complicated pregnancies. JB-LF seeks to embody her generous spirit by giving all mothers and newborns the means to thrive.

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Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Grant Sees Results (Get Up DC)

 

August 13, 2020 by Get Up DC

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) — Jennifer Bush-Lawson was a woman who made it her mission to help mothers with complicated pregnancies after battling issues during her pregnancies. Sadly, the wife and mother of three’s work was cut short in 2014 — but her mission lives on. The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation funded grant for a telemedicine program at Virginia Hospital Center has seen amazing results.

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Funded Telemedicine Program Shows Promising Results

THE JENNIFER BUSH-LAWSON FOUNDATION FUNDED VHC OUTPATIENT CLINIC TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM REDUCES NEED FOR C-SECTIONS, NICU ADMISSIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT
Kelly Garrity
703-462-2336, kgarrity@jb-lf.org

Arlington, VA: July 20, 2020 – A pilot program exploring the impact of telemedicine on outcomes for high-risk maternity patients and patients with chronic medical conditions run by Virginia Hospital Center (VHC), a community-based hospital providing medical services to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for 75 years, with support from the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation (JBLF) has made a remarkable impact on the lives of low-income, high-risk individuals who may not have otherwise had access to consistent, quality healthcare.

As of December 31, 2019, the telemedicine program has resulted in:

  • A 25.7 percent reduction in c-section rates for high-risk pregnancies;
  • A 61.5 percent reduction in NICU admissions for newborns;
  • A 65.2 percent reduction in emergency room visits;
  • A 56.1 percent reduction in hospital admissions; and
  • A 69.2 percent increase in the number of hypertension patients who achieved their goal blood pressure.

“Telemedicine involves patients as active participants in managing their care, ensuring a higher percentage of healthy outcomes,” said Michelle Altman, MBA, RN, Patient Care Director at the VHC Outpatient Clinic. “Telemedicine patients are more likely to keep scheduled appointments, comply with plans of care and take medications as prescribed which makes them less likely to require a trip to the emergency room or a hospital stay.”

Launched in 2016 with a $275,000 pledge from CareFirst, the pilot program focused primarily on patients with diabetes, blood pressure issues and other concerns that require more consistent monitoring. Throughout the program, more than $120,000 in donations from the JBLF ensured coverage of staff time and allowed the Clinic to establish a more permanent infrastructure for the program which readied the clinic to expand its telemedicine appointments by more than 300 percent following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide care to patients without the risk of exposure.

“Providing economically vulnerable women better access to the maternal care they need is at the very core of JBLF’s mission,” said JBLF Executive Director Kelly Garrity. “Programs like this telemedicine pilot are transformative for women with high-risk pregnancies who do not have the option to take time off work or travel for frequent medical appointments.”

The program will continue to operate out of the Virginia Hospital Center Outpatient Clinic, which serves the community by providing healthcare services to patients with or without insurance. The telemedicine program is fully integrated into VHC’s electronic records management system to make it readily accessible for physicians and patients and a Spanish translator is available.

About the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation

Established in honor of Jennifer Lawson, who lost her life in 2014, the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, serves economically vulnerable mothers and infants by working to increase access to high-quality maternal and pediatric health care and support. Jennifer was a loving, dedicated mother of three, driven to advocacy after receiving high-quality care during her own complicated pregnancies. JB-LF seeks to embody her generous spirit by giving all mothers and newborns the means to thrive.

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Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Delivers 2500+ Meals (Good Morning Washington)

 

July 16, 2020 by Good Morning Washington

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Jennifer Bush-Lawson was a woman who made it her mission to help mothers with complicated pregnancies after battling issues during her pregnancies. Sadly, the wife and mother of three’s work was cut short in 2014 — but her mission lives on. The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation has teamed up with Two Plates to provide meals to financially vulnerable families with newborns.

Full article: https://wjla.com/news/local/2-dmv-organizations-team-up-to-cook-deliver-over-2500-meals-to-expecting-and-new-moms 

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Names New Executive Director

JENNIFER BUSH-LAWSON FOUNDATION NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACTS
Susan B. Oliver  |  703-216-4078, susanboliver@me.com
Jennifer Myers  |  202-286-1680, jmyers@jb-lf.org


ARLINGTON, VA, JULY 17, 2017 – The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation today announced that Jennifer Myers has joined as its new executive director. In this role, Myers will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations and developing long-term strategy for the foundation’s programs, fundraising efforts and expansion plans, as well as overseeing the execution of JB-LF’s mission, which seeks to increase access to quality pre- and post-natal health care and support for economically vulnerable women.

“I’m thrilled to have Jen on board, as she brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications, event execution, business development and fundraising,” said Neal Lawson, CEO and Chair of the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation. “I look forward to working with her to leverage the strong start that our first executive director gave us to further increase the impact of JB-LF.”

Myers most recently worked at the Wall Street Journal, where she was responsible for building new business and sustaining existing relationships totaling $5 million in annual revenues. Prior to that, she served as the vice president of marketing and communications at YWCA’s national headquarters, and she held a series of leadership roles in communications and public affairs at the Aspen Institute where she managed all aspects of the department’s work, from public and media relations, social media and branding to video, events and the Institute’s blog and magazine.

As an active member of the Arlington, Va., community, Myers was a member of the 2016 JB-LF 5K and Family Fun Day event committee, and she’s currently on the auction committee at McKinley Elementary. She also served a two-year term as a parent representative and board member at Faith Lutheran Preschool.

Myers holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and a J.D. from Georgetown University.

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Launches Mother’s Day Campaign

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Launches Mother’s Day Campaign

by Chris Teale — May 10, 2017 at 4:55 pm

A nonprofit that supports low-income mothers and their children in Arlington is encouraging local residents to donate this Mother’s Day weekend.

The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation will use the donations from this year’s campaign to help those vulnerable mothers access proper care before and after they give birth.

It provides access to medical services, counseling and support for economically vulnerable mothers-to-be, newborn babies and new mothers who don’t have the means or resources to start their journey on solid footing.

The foundation is named for Jennifer Bush-Lawson, a mother of three who died in 2014 after being struck by a dump truck in front of Nottingham Elementary School while placing her children in a minivan.

Her husband Neal launched the foundation one year after her death, and has previously hosted a 5K race and festival in her memory.

JB-LF said that hundreds of mothers and babies lack proper care locally. It can be difficult balancing work and child care schedules, finding transportation, navigating health insurance and gaining information, and the foundation assists with those and more.

Already, the foundation has raised over $118,000 for Virginia Hospital Center, provided 12 months of wellness care for 240 babies, provided blood pressure cuffs for in-home monitoring, given a $5,000 grant for specialist care and provided transportation for pregnant mothers.

Members of the JB-LF board will match every dollar donated between now and May 14 up to $4,000.

As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s important to remember that mothers and babies need our support year-round. Donations will help us continue to serve economically vulnerable mothers and infants of Arlington, Virginia by giving them access to quality prenatal and postnatal healthcare and an opportunity to thrive.

Click here for more information about the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation’s 2017 Mother’s Day campaign. Visit our website for information about the JB-LF or click here to sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook for updates on the work we are doing in the Arlington community.

Photos courtesy of The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation.


Read the the full story and see the interview here: https://www.arlnow.com/2017/05/10/jennifer-bush-lawson-foundation-launches-mothers-day-campaign/#disqus_thread

 

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Launches Mother’s Day Campaign to Support Arlington, VA Moms and Babies

Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation Launches Mother’s Day Campaign to Support Arlington, VA Moms and Babies
May 8, 2017

Arlington, Va. – The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation (JB-LF) is launching a Mother’s Day campaign to continue its vital work to ensure economically vulnerable mothers and babies in Arlington, Virginia have access to proper prenatal and postnatal care. The JB-LF honors the legacy of Jennifer Bush-Lawson, who believed that every mother and baby – regardless of race, color, creed, or economic status – should have an opportunity to thrive.

With hundreds of mothers and babies lacking proper prenatal and postnatal care in our area, this year’s campaign remains a vital part of achieving the Foundation’s mission. Some of the biggest challenges facing low-income mothers today include:

  • Balancing work and childcare schedules to coordinate well care appointments
  • Finding and funding transportation to and from medical appointments
  • Overcoming obstacles related to health insurance and understanding coverage
  • Gaining access to prenatal and postnatal information, resources and support, such as for breastfeeding and nutrition

We have accomplished many goals, but we still have work to do. Some of our impacts include:

  • Raising over $118,000 for Virginia Hospital Center
  • Providing 12 months of wellness care for 240 babies
  • Providing blood pressure cuffs for in-home monitoring
  • Giving a $5,000 grant for specialist care
  • Providing transportation for pregnant mothers to prenatal and postnatal appointments

As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s important to remember that mothers and babies need our support year-round. Donations will help us continue to serve economically vulnerable mothers and infants of Arlington, Virginia by giving them access to quality prenatal and postnatal healthcare and an opportunity to thrive.

Click here for more information about the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation’s 2017 Mother’s Day campaign. Visit our website for information about the JB-LF or click here to sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook for updates on the work we are doing in the Arlington community.

Photos courtesy of The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation.


About the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation

Established in December 2014, the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Founded in the belief that every mother and every child deserve important healthcare services for a healthy start in life, the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation provides access to medical services, counseling and support for economically vulnerable mothers-to-be, newborn babies and postpartum mothers who don’t have the means or resources to start their journey on solid footing. Jennifer Bush-Lawson dedicated her life to her children and to being the best mother possible. She believed that every mother – regardless of race, color, creed, or economic status – should have an opportunity to do the same.

 

Virginia Hospital Center Announces $100,000 in Proceeds from the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Memorial 5K

Virginia Hospital Center Announces $100,000 in Proceeds from the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Memorial 5K

Proceeds Will Support Newborn Care at Arlington Pediatric Center

For Immediate Release

Maryanne Boster
Director of Corporate Communications
Virginia Hospital Center
tel: 703.558.6595

Arlington, VA (February 24, 2016) – Virginia Hospital Center is pleased to announce that Arlington Pediatric Center (APC) will be the beneficiary of a $100,000 contribution from the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation (JB-LF). On the first anniversary of the formation of the foundation, the JB-LF dedicated $100,000 in proceeds from the JB-LF Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day to support primary care for newborns at APC. APC was established by the Hospital in 2001 to provide medical care to underserved Arlington children.

“Jennifer devoted her life to being an exceptional mother to her children, and as part of her legacy, we are funding an entire year of newborn well-child medical care for 240 newborns in our community who otherwise would have no access to basic healthcare,” said Neal Lawson, Founder & CEO of the JB-LF. “Arlington Pediatric Center and Virginia Hospital Center are our partners in carrying out Jenn’s vision to provide the best possible start in life for every child.”

Arlington Pediatric Center annually provides primary and acute medical care to more than 3,400 uninsured children and children of low-income families each year. “We are truly honored to partner with the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation,” said Arlington Pediatric Center Medical Director Dr. Tatiana Zenzano. “In just one year, JB-LF has become the single largest donor in supporting newborn care at APC. Primary care for newborns is central to our mission to ensure that every child in Arlington has access to care, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.”

The Jennifer Bush Lawson Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day took place on November 21, 2015, and featured a 5K, Kids Fun Run, and outdoor festival. More than 1,500 people attended the event held at the Knights of Columbus in Arlington, Virginia, including more than 1,000 adult and children runners. “Beyond their exceptional financial contribution, the JB-LF has raised significant awareness of the medical needs of vulnerable pregnant women and infants living in our community,” said Jeffrey DiLisi, MD, Virginia Hospital Center Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. “Serving their complex healthcare needs requires many resources and in the JB-LF, Virginia Hospital Center and Arlington Pediatric Center have found an essential partner in providing high-quality medical care to low-income and uninsured women and children.”


 

About Virginia Hospital Center

Virginia Hospital Center has provided exceptional medical services to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for over 70 years and was named a 2015 Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group and one of America’s 100 Top Hospitals® and 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics. The hospital is a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network – a national network of independent healthcare organizations. Virginia Hospital Center is a 350-bed not-for-profit, teaching facility, and it is designated as a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. For more information on Virginia Hospital Center Health System, please visit www.virginiahospitalcenter.com.

About Virginia Hospital Center Foundation

Established in 2007, Virginia Hospital Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance healthcare excellence at Virginia Hospital Center.

 

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Arlington family fulfills mothers dream after her death

Arlington family fulfills mothers dream after her death

ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA9) — Every mother has likely been there. You’re leaning into the car, trying to quickly buckle up the kids as traffic drives by. That everyday routine cost one Arlington mother her life when a dump truck struck and killed 39-year-old Jennifer Lawson in February 2014.

Now, Neal Lawson and the family are fulfilling her dream.

Each school day starts like your average busy household with young children. Dad criss-crosses the house gathering up 7-year old Cooper, 6-yearold Booker, and 4-year-old Sadie, who was just two-and-a-half when mommy was killed buckling her in to the car seat.

“Last thing she does before bed every night is she has two little pictures above her dresser and she kisses and hugs both and says goodnight to mommy before we put her down,” said Lawson.

It’s been a tough journey filled with counseling, tears, anger and lots of love and support. Neal’s parents stayed for year and now a nanny helps with the morning routine.

“Every morning when they climb into my bed nice and early there’s that moment when I wish I was still asleep, but it’s a blessing to have those three beautiful children as a reflection of her for me to hold and touch today while we remember the amazing person she was,” he said.

Jennifer Bush-Lawson was an artist, an athlete, a mother and a giver; just beginning to donate to new mothers in need of medical care. It’s a vision she started years ago, a dream her family is now fulfilling in the first annual 5k and family fun day in her memory. Neal won’t take credit for doing it all, but Jennifer would be proud.

The race steps off at 8 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Little Falls Road in Arlington Saturday, Nov. 21st. The family fun day features moon bounces, face painting, obstacle courses and a beer garden. All proceeds benefit the Jennifer Bush Lawson Memorial Foundation and provides pre-natal and post-natal services to mothers in need through the Virginia Hospital Center and Arlington Pediatric Center. To register or learn more click here: http://jenniferbushlawsonfoundation.org.


Read the the full story and see the interview here: http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/2015/11/18/arlington-family-lawson-death-dump-truck/75987886/

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Husband honors late wife with amazing foundation: The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation

Husband honors late wife with amazing foundation: The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation

Neal and Jennifer Lawson used to talk about how blessed they were.

After 13 years of marriage, they had a happy home in Arlington, with three thriving children: Cooper, Booker, and Sadie.

“She was an incredible mother, ” said Neal of Jenn. “The best I’d ever seen. She poured her heart and soul into it.”

Life as they loved it changed for the Lawsons on February 24, 2014, when a passing dump truck caught the door of Jenn’s minivan as she strapped in Sadie, who was just two years old. The impact knocked Jenn to the ground and ultimately took her life.

Police investigated the accident and looked for every possible distraction. Was the driver texting? No. Was he impaired? No. In the end, his rig was too wide for the narrow lane in front of Nottingham Elementary school, and he was charged with failure to pay full attention. He expressed remorse before a judge and spent 6 days in jail.

Even though every day Neal has to drive his children by a small angel statue that marks the place where the tragic accident happened, he does not dwell on the sudden and brutally unfair end to her life. Instead, he is focused on bringing fairness to families at the beginning of theirs.


Read the the full story and see the interview here: http://wjla.com/news/local/husband-honors-late-wife-with-an-amazing-foundation-the-jennifer-bush-lawson-foundation