TDW of Ellis County
March 18, 2025 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Post at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Nancy read a quote from the late John Lewis: “Do not get lost in the sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The February meeting minutes are available on the TDWEC website. Barbara Fudge made 2 recommendations for changes to the February meeting minutes: 1) Instead of saying “Fundraising Letter” use “Membership Letter”. 2) Instead of saying “Democratic group” use “Democratic Party”. Those changes will be made and the February meeting minutes will be updated. Barbara made a motion to approve. Vivian seconded. All ayes.
Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $4,386.56 and a Scholarship balance of $6,491.86. Mary Lou made a motion to approve. Billye seconded. All ayes.
Program:
Lynda Begnaud introduced Frances Casanova with Hope Health.
Topic: Maternal Health in Ellis County
Highlights:
- Frances stated there is an access to care problem; not enough OBGYNs take Medicaid
- Ellis County has limited access to care for a majority of pregnant and postpartum women
- only 2 OBGYNs take Medicaid
- Medicaid is too difficult/risky to deal with
- Private practice doctors don’t think it’s worth it to take Medicaid patients
- Need to make it more beneficial for doctors
- In 2023, Ellis County had 3,618 total live births. Of those, 561 had private insurance or paid cash; 3,057 had Medicaid
- A baby is born to a teen mom in Ellis County every 3 days
- On a positive note, the Texas legislature did pass the HB-12 bill in 2024 to extend postpartum coverage for Texas mothers from 2 to 12 months.
Frances stated that Hope Health are very grateful for the support of TDW-EC. They use the donated baby shower items to make diaper bags for all pregnant patients. They make 30-40 bags each month and give them to expecting Moms when they are 7-8 months pregnant. For some, these gifts are the first, and sometimes the only, gift they receive for their babies.
For more information: hopehealthtx.org 972.923.2440
Committee Reports:
Program – Lynda Begnaud
Speaker for next month will be Annette Krause who is the Small Business Caucus Chair and DNC delegate. Will discuss the Democratic party platform.
Scholarship – Lynda Begnaud
The Scholarship Committee met and reviewed all applications. 2 Red Oak High School Seniors, Makenzi Harden and Destan Burks, will each receive $1,000.00 for the Emma Wilson Memorial Scholarship from TDW-EC. Lynda stated both recipients were very deserving. They have both been notified and the Awards ceremony for RHS is May 14th. In June, Makenzies and Destan will attend the TDW-EC meeting to read their essays.
Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall
Julie reported that the Hope Health Baby Shower was a great success. Donated baby items and cash were collected and given to Hope Health.
Fundraising – Nancy Post
No report this month.
Advocacy – Mary Lou Shipley
Continue to write your representatives. Attend protests.
Refreshments/Social – Carol Young
Thank you to Lynda Begnaud and Julie Mendenhall for providing snacks. It was suggested for members to pair up from the list for bringing snacks. No one has signed up for September or October.
Voter Registration – OPEN
Mary Brooks stated that TDW-EC registered 42 students at Waxahachie High School recently.
Other Business:
Nancy issued a challenge to all members: Bring a friend with you to the next meeting. Ask them to join TDW-EC.
Refreshments:
April Refreshments – Mary Lou Shipley
Next Meeting:
April 15th at the Chamber of Commerce
Adjournment:
Mary Brooks made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Flo Miles. All ayes.
Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
The minutes were prepared by Kathleen Bowen.