Skip Navigation
Find A Provider Get A Quote
Unionization Statement
Select Language
GHC-SCW will be implementing holiday hours at our clinics and facilities in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
View Holiday Hours
Close
Font Size:
Unionization Statement
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
GHCMyChart Login
Main Menu
Menu

GHC-SCW is excited to announce a new two-episode series partnership with Pogie the Yogie, a locally produced children’s show that combines movement, mindfulness and meaningful life lessons in a fun and engaging format for kids and families. This collaboration will consist of a two-episode series highlighting the shared values of wellness, health care and community connection.

What is Pogie the Yogie?

Created by Madison-based parents Corrina and Patrick Cunningham, Pogie the Yogie is a kids’ show that blends yoga-inspired movement, mindfulness practices and real-world adventures to help children build healthy bodies and curious minds.

Each episode begins with Pogie setting off on an exciting local adventure in Madison. Whether visiting a community organization like the Madison Fire Department or exploring a local small business, Pogie meets real people doing real work and learns about their roles and values. These interactions are playful and educational, helping kids understand how different community members contribute in meaningful ways.

Each 10-minute episode ends with Pogie returning his knowledge to the yoga mat. Using storytelling and movement, he guides children through a yoga sequence inspired by the day’s adventure. If the episode featured a visit to a farm, the yoga practice might include animal poses. This integration of real-world learning and mindful movement keeps kids engaged and helps them reflect on what they’ve seen and learned that day in an empowering way.

Many describe Pogie the Yogie as “Madison’s own Blippi—with a mindful twist” or a modern-day Mr. Rogers infused with yoga and community spirit. It’s thoughtful and adventurous, making it just as enjoyable for parents as it is for children. 

The GHC-SCW Partnership

GHC-SCW is partnering with Pogie the Yogie for two custom episodes that encourage kids and families to embrace wellness as a fun part of everyday life. These episodes highlight key themes that align closely with GHC-SCW’s mission, including:

In the first episode, titled Pogie the Yogie Visits the Doctor with Francesca Vash, Pogie visits a GHC-SCW clinic to learn about what happens during a wellness visit. Greeted by GHC-SCW staff Kate and Nurse Practitioner Francesca Vash, Pogie gets his height and weight checked, learns about measuring temperature and blood pressure and even gets his eyes and ears examined. Vash takes time to explain each step, ensuring Pogie understands how doctors care for the whole body, including emotional well-being. This episode helps children feel empowered by normalizing questions, showing them they can ask for help and making the idea of a doctor’s visit less intimidating.

The second episode, Labs with Jana and Kristen, takes Pogie through another part of the clinic experience: lab tests and X-rays. With guidance from the GHC-SCW team, Pogie explores what happens when you need a urine or blood test and learns how an X-ray works. Children learn that their bodies tell important stories, and tests like these help doctors understand how to keep them healthy and strong. The episode teaches bravery through breathing exercises, encourages empowerment through small choices (such as picking a comfort item) and highlights the friendly, helpful roles of lab technicians and radiologists.

Together, these episodes bring health care into the world of children in a way that feels warm, welcoming and fun.

Why GHC-SCW & Pogie the Yogie Are a Great Match

GHC-SCW and Pogie the Yogie are deeply rooted in Madison and passionate about serving local families. GHC-SCW has always supported community wellness through education, prevention and access to care. Partnering with this children’s program, which promotes mindfulness and movement, is a natural fit with GHC-SCW’s mission.

Pogie the Yogie teaches children to love themselves, their neighbors and their communities, just like GHC-SCW aims to support the health and well-being of everyone it serves. Both organizations hope to inspire the next generation of happy, healthy citizens by bringing health and mindfulness into a child’s everyday life.

What’s Next?

Subscribe to Pogie the Yogie on YouTube to get free, family-friendly episodes that blend movement, mindfulness and fun:

youtube.com/@pogietheyogie

After subscribing, click the bell icon to turn on notifications, so you can be notified when a new episode is released. Check out the two GHC-SCW-sponsored episodes, Pogie the Yogie Visits the Doctor with Francesca Vash and Labs with Jana and Kristen, on PogieTheYogie.com and social media. Whether your child is a seasoned yogi or trying downward dog for the first time, these episodes are a joyful way to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

As part of our recognition and celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is excited to announce a special partnership with the Madison Children’s Museum to offer free Sensory-Friendly Nights open to the public, a series of events aimed at providing a welcoming and supportive environment for children with autism and their families.

A Shared Mission of Acceptance

With April being Autism Acceptance Month, these two local organizations are coming together to promote understanding, inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. While these differences can pose challenges, they also offer perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.

What to Expect at Sensory-Friendly Nights

Sensory –Friendly Nights, designed specifically for individuals who experience sensory differences, will feature a range of calming and engaging activities in a fun environment. These events are part of the continued efforts by both organizations to foster inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of neurodiverse individuals within the Madison community. The first Sensory-Friendly Night kicks off on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at the Madison Children’s Museum

Here’s what families can look forward to:

2025 Free Sensory-Friendly Night Schedule:

Pre-registration for the event is recommended but not required. Register here. 

Supporting Families Beyond the Museum

GHC-SCW’s involvement in this partnership is rooted in its ongoing commitment to supporting families of children with autism — not just during Autism Acceptance Month, but all year long.

Through the GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program, families can access services that provide education, tools and personalized support. The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program provides neuroaffirming and inclusive evidence-based services to children diagnosed with ASD aged 4-16 years and their parents/caregivers. Services are offered in a 1 to1 or group setting. The program provides opportunities for children and their parents/caregivers to learn about social skills and emotion regulation. Children work with a therapist to learn a new skill each week. Parents learn how to support their children’s development, coaching them to practice and generalize their skills.

To learn more about GHC-SCW’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Program and how it supports families in our community, visit: ghcscw.com/autism

July is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, with the goal of raising awareness and providing support to those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant. At GHC-SCW, we understand the profound impact these losses have on individuals and families. We commit to offering resources and support to help navigate this difficult journey.

Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Pregnancy and infant loss are more common than many realize. It’s also important to understand the terms associated with these losses as well. A miscarriage, or an early pregnancy loss, is when a pregnancy loss occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, about 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. The number may actually be higher, as some pregnant people may not realize they are pregnant when they are experiencing a miscarriage. A stillbirth is when the pregnancy loss occurs in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In the United States, stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies.

Despite these numbers, many misconceptions surround pregnancy loss. One of the most harmful is the belief that it is often the pregnant person’s fault. It is crucial to understand that pregnancy loss rarely happens because of anything the pregnant person did or didn’t do. Some miscarriages may be caused by problems with chromosomes. Regardless of the cause, the emotional toll of these losses is immense. Feelings of guilt, grief and isolation are common. It is important to note that most people who have a miscarriage or a stillbirth and get pregnant again have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Behavioral Health Resources at GHC-SCW

GHC-SCW offers a range of behavioral health resources to support those affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Our counseling services provide a safe space for individuals and families to express their grief and begin the healing process. Our therapists handle the unique challenges that come with such a loss. They offer compassionate and professional care.

Our behavioral health staff may also be able to connect you to local support groups. These are safe spaces where grieving parents and families connect with others who have experienced similar losses. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding., and participants may feel less isolated in their grief. Our goal is to ensure that no one faces this journey alone. If you have questions, please call (608) 441-3290.

Community Support

GHC-SCW deeply commits to supporting our local community. We partner with organizations focused on pregnancy and infant loss. One such organization is Mikayla’s Grace. Mikayla’s Grace was started in March of 2011 by Mike and Melissa Terrill after the loss of their babies, Mikayla Grace and Chase Gabriel. This organization is their way of giving back to the community, and keeping their babies’ spirits and memory alive while helping other families. Mikayla’s Grace provides comfort and support to families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. They offer angel memory boxes, baby loss comfort packages and other resources to help families through their grief. We proudly support Mikayla’s Grace and their mission.

Visit the Mikayla’s Grace website.

How to Seek Help and Get Involved

If you or someone you know is affected by pregnancy or infant loss, reach out for support. Accessing GHC-SCW’s behavioral health resources is straightforward. Contact our Behavioral Health services to schedule an appointment or learn more about available support groups.

Supporting Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is also a meaningful way to get involved. Consider participating in local events, donating to organizations like Mikayla’s Grace, or volunteering your time to help those in need. Every effort helps raise awareness and provides much-needed support to grieving families.

At GHC, we offer management of confirmed miscarriage at less than 13 weeks of gestation via expectant and medication management. We also offer support, resources and understanding during this difficult time. Remember, pregnancy loss is not the pregnant person’s fault. No one should navigate this journey alone. Reach out, seek support and know that help is available.

 

Additional Information and Resources

Bereaved Parents of Madison

Hope After Loss

March of Dimes – Miscarriage, Loss, and Grief

Mikayla’s Grace

UW Health Hope After Loss Clinic

UW Health Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic

This April, we celebrate the ConnectRx Wisconsin initiative that helps Black mothers and their babies. Now in its second year, this innovative care coordination system continues to provide medical care and address essential social needs that contribute to the overall well-being for Black pregnant women and birthing persons in Dane County. Coinciding with this anniversary is Black Maternal Health Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and addressing the health challenges of Black mothers.

A Vision for Health Equity

ConnectRx Wisconsin was launched by the Dane County Health Council and The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness to bridge the health disparity gap in our community, particularly in maternal and child health. The initiative was created to eliminate disparities in low-weight births between Black and white women in Dane County, where Wisconsin has one of the highest Black infant mortality rates in the United States. The Saving Our Babies Report, which includes community-based and system-level recommendations, led to the launch of the Saving Our Babies Initiative in 2019 and the Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance of Dane County in 2020 and paved the way for ConnectRx Wisconsin.

The Heart of ConnectRx Wisconsin

At the core of ConnectRx Wisconsin is a comprehensive screening process, identifying participants who could benefit most from the program. To qualify, patients must:

  1. Identify as African American/Black
  2. Have a positive pregnancy test
  3. Screen positive for one or more of the five Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) domains, including:

    • Housing
    • Financial stability strain
    • Food insecurity
    • Transportation
    • Stress

Once enrolled, individuals work with dedicated community health workers. These professionals guide participants with crucial resources like housing support, financial assistance and accessible health care services.

Making a Difference Together

Over the past two years, ConnectRx Wisconsin has not only improved health outcomes of Black mothers, but has also empowered them with the proper support to create brighter futures for their children.

Since April 2022, ConnectRx Wisconsin has referred 674 Black pregnant patients who were identified as high-risk for coordinated care. Out of these, 600 patients were given essential resources such as housing, food, transportation, and financial assistance. Among the 411 Black pregnant patients who chose to enroll in ConnectRx Wisconsin for additional birthing support, 234 healthy births have occurred, including 172 doula-supported births. This showcases the valuable role of doulas in achieving positive birth outcomes.

During the 20-month evaluation period of ConnectRx Wisconsin, 90% of babies born with doula support reached optimal gestational age, and an impressive 84% were born at a healthy birth weight. These statistics address a critical factor in reducing Black infant mortality rates. Furthermore, in year one, 68% of clients avoided medical interventions, while an unprecedented 94% initiated breastfeeding. These outcomes foster healthier beginnings for both mothers and babies alike.

The program’s success is a testament to the power of community, collaboration and technology. We are proud to be part of the list of program partners below, working together to help address these health disparities to make a positive difference.

A Week of Reflection and Action for Black Maternal Health

Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17. This time reminds us of the work still required to ensure that all mothers, regardless of race, have access to the care and support they deserve. ConnectRx Wisconsin embodies the spirit of this week throughout the year by actively working to dismantle barriers. The goal of this initiative is to foster a world where every pregnancy is safe, respected and celebrated.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the ConnectRx Wisconsin program and the importance of Black Maternal Health Week, we continue supporting and uplifting Black mothers in our community. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless families. We also continue to work towards ensuring all have the care and support they need to live a healthy life.