Seven years ago, I found myself in a predicament.  I was a 23 year old college student who worked as a cocktail waitress in a cigar lounge.  I found out I was pregnant and had to quit my job in order to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure to my unborn child.  I had no insurance at the time and didn’t know what to do.  A friend of mine had told me about SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program.  I applied and was able to begin my prenatal care right away.  At first, I was ashamed that I needed help, but I quickly got over it and it changed my life.  With the help of SoonerCare, I was able to take excellent care of my body, without the worry and stress over whether or not I could afford it.  For the first time since junior high, I even had dental coverage!  Looking back, I realize now that I was at a crossroad in my life.  If I hadn’t found out about SoonerCare, I am not sure that I would have gotten the quality of prenatal care that I needed because I simply couldn’t afford it.

I believe that everything happens for a reason and that everyone in life has a purpose. Now I work for Oklahoma’s Medicaid agency, Oklahoma Health Care Authority.  My unit is charged with reaching out to those who qualify for SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) and help them get the coverage they need and deserve.  Specifically, I get to work to help improve birth outcomes in our state by helping pregnant tobacco users quit.

Sixteen months ago, I gave birth to my second child.  During my pregnancy, I heard about Text4Baby so I signed up.  All throughout my pregnancy, I received free text messages with information that ranged from resources for applying for Medicaid as well as resources on how to find a child care provider.  There were also important messages about quitting smoking, preventive care, etc.  One text in particular really had an impact on me.  Text4Baby sent out a text informing us about the new American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendation for switching your child from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing one.  It suggests that you wait until your baby is 2 years old and at least 20lbs, instead of just 1 year old and at least 20lbs.  I felt very in-the-know for receiving this message so quickly.  I heard about it through Text4Baby before I even found out through my professional networks that I work with.  I educated my friends and family as well as our child care provider about the new AAP recommendation.  I am happy to say that because of Text4Baby, my son is a safer passenger in every vehicle he is transported in.