Program Description
The Healthy Start Program was signed into law on June 4, 1991 by the Florida State Legislature. Healthy Start
is a voluntary program designed to insure that pregnant women and young children ages 0-3 years have access to
health care and other services that will promote healthier outcomes. The Healthy Start Program of the Alachua
County Health Department serves the residents of Alachua County and is administered through the Healthy Start
Coalition of North Central Florida.
All pregnant women in the State of Florida should be offered the Healthy Start Prenatal Risk Screening at their
first prenatal visit and the Healthy Start Infant Risk Screening before they leave the hospital or birth center.
The screens will determine what services might be needed. Clients are also referred by other Community agencies
and can self refer if the services are needed.
Eligibility
- Any pregnant woman or infant from birth to age 3 is eligible for Healthy Start Services.
- No income requirements are necessary to receive Healthy Start Services.
Services
- ALL SERVICES ARE FREE
- Home visits by a Nurse, Social Worker, or a Family Support Worker.
- Educational information about having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
- Referrals to other Community agencies as needed.
- Psychosocial Counseling.
- Educational classes on Childbirth that include labor and delivery, relaxation, comfort measures, and newborn care.
- Education and support to assist with stopping smoking.
- Education and support to assist with Breastfeeding.
- Education and support to assist with Parenting.
- Education and support to assist with Family Planning, Women's Health, nutrition, and exercise.
- Baby Slumber Program provided by the March of Dimes
- Coping with Crying
- Babies sleep safest on their backs
Contact Person
Laura Duke, MSN, ARNP Community Health Nursing Consultant
352-334-7940
Links
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