Miscarriage care kits reach more than 5,000 families, local partners expand distribution

The Early Pregnancy Loss Association announced on November 18, 2025 that its miscarriage care kit program, started in 2018, has now reached more than 5,000 kits delivered across the United States. For local families in Holmes County and neighboring counties the milestone comes alongside a grant funded distribution that will send 230 kits to hospitals, birthing centers, obstetric offices and partnering nonprofits in Wayne, Holmes, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

With as many as one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage, the association has centered its work on meeting a common but often overlooked need. The kits are provided at no cost and are sent to hospitals, clinics and individuals. Each includes sanitary supplies, comfort items, clear information on what to expect physically and emotionally and resources for ongoing support. Funding comes from fundraisers, private donations and grants, and distribution depends on volunteers.

“We want every family to know they are not alone,” EPLA President Maria Servold said. “Reaching more than 5,000 kits means thousands of women have received tangible care in some of their darkest moments. It’s humbling and motivating to see our mission growing.”

Locally the program has relied on community organizations to assemble and distribute kits. Mother’s Study Club IV assisted with sorting and packaging items. Small blankets included in kits were donated by area knitters and crocheters, including the Give a Stitch social group. Orrville Trinity United Methodist Church provided space for kit storage and distribution in Ohio. The recent grant from the Austin Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation in Canton funded the purchase of the 230 kits being distributed in this region.

The program’s growth highlights both an unmet need in reproductive health care and the role of grassroots efforts in filling gaps. Miscarriage often carries emotional and physical burdens that are compounded by stigma and fragmented clinical support. Free kits and educational materials can offer immediate practical relief and point families toward further resources. At the same time reliance on grants and volunteers underscores the fragility of supports that are not systematically funded or integrated into routine clinical care.

EPLA was founded in Hillsdale, Michigan in 2016 and remains entirely volunteer run. The association also offers educational resources, a blog and a podcast to help families and communities better understand early pregnancy loss. Local health providers and community groups in Holmes County can request kits for patients or partners by visiting miscarriagecare.com or by emailing miscarriagecare@gmail.com.