Submitted by Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Parents in Thurston County who have welcomed a new baby since 2020 are invited to participate in a Zoom listening session on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. This one-hour session, hosted by the Thurston County Perinatal Mental Health (TCPMH) Task Force, will provide an open space for parents to share their experiences, connect with others, and discuss ways to improve support systems for new parents in the community.
The session will be co-facilitated by Amanda Houle, RN, a community health nurse with Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, and Alicia Ferris, MS, LMHC, an Olympia-based therapist specializing in reproductive mental health and reproductive psychology. The discussion will explore topics such as accessing community resources, connecting with other parents, and designing an ideal support system for new parents in the area.
Many parents have faced unique challenges, especially during the pandemic; this session is an opportunity to share experiences and learn about resources that could help make parenting easier and more collaborative.
Discussion prompts will include what types of social support have been helpful, how parents have built their networks, and ideas for an ideal parent support system in Thurston County. The insights shared will help shape the goals and direction of the TCPMH Task Force and guide parent support groups in 2025. This listening session will not be recorded, but notes will be taken to inform future community support efforts.
For more information visit Thurston County New Parents Listening Session | Thurston County.
If you have questions about the event, want more information about joining the TCPMH Task Force Team, or if you would like to share your thoughts via email, please reach out to our team: PHSS_MCH@co.thurston.wa.us
We look forward to hearing from parents in our community and working together to strengthen the support system for new parents in Thurston County!