Providing child health care and the services necessary for mothers and infants to have healthier outcomes

The Healthy Start Program is an initiative that assures that pregnant women and young children ages 0-3 years in Florida have access to prenatal and child health care and services necessary for mother and infants to have healthier outcomes.

Florida law mandates that all pregnant women be offered the Healthy Start Prenatal Risk Screening at their first prenatal visit and the Healthy Start Infant risk screening before leaving the birthing facility.  Based on the responses from these screens the following services are offered:

ü      Care Coordination-Determining needs of mother, infant or child.  Referrals to appropriate agencies.
ü       Nutrition Counseling-Diet counseling provided to women who are either underweight or overweight during pregnancy.
ü       Psychosocial counseling-Provided counseling sessions for dealing with relationship problems, depression, etc.
ü       Parenting support-Classes provide on infant and child health, safety and nutrition.
ü      Childbirth Education- Classes offered on labor and delivery, relaxation and comfort measures.
ü      Breastfeeding education and support-Classes offered on advantages techniques and benefits.
ü       Smoking cessation counseling-Classes or sessions offered on ways to discontinue smoking and the dangers of second hand smoke

Click Pictures Below for more Information on our services

                

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                                                                                                      Contact: Candace White ext. 140          

The choices you make now are important for your baby's health.  As soon as you think you are pregnant, see your health care provider. Keep going for regularly scheduled visits during your pregnancy.  Eat foods that are good for you and the baby. Avoid alcohol, drugs and tobacco that can be harmful.  You want to have a health baby and Healthy Start can help.

If you say yes, a Healthy Start Care coordinator will contact you.  The coordinator will explain the results of the screening and answer your questions. The coordinator will talk with you about what you  need and help you find services in your area. The coordinator will give you the name and telephone number of a person you can call if you have any questions or need help in the future.