Healthy Start / Mom Care
Healthy Start
The
Healthy Start program was created to improve the maternal and infant health
outcomes by assuring access to prenatal and infant health services and providing
additional services to reduce risk factors. All pregnant women who receive prenatal care in Florida are offered a Healthy
Start screening by their obstetrician. Florida Hospitals offer the screening to all
new parents at the time of delivery.
The Healthy Start screening identifies individuals who are at risk of poor health outcomes. The screening consists of filling out a short form that asks questions about your health and anything that could affect the health of your baby. It is strictly confidential and voluntary. Healthy Start personnel can then help families reduce risks by providing targeted care coordination services.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on your screening score and/or any other identified risk factors. Eligibility is NOT based on income or other financial factors. For additional information regarding eligibility requirements, please call (850) 983-5200 x.207.
ServicesA Healthy Start Care Coordinator will help you arrange a variety of services as needed to help meet your needs and the goal for having a healthy baby.
Services include:
- Help making doctor appointments
- Childbirth education
- Breastfeeding support and education
- Parenting education
- Family planning education
- Smoking cessation counseling
- Referrals for nutrition counseling and/or counseling services
- Coordination with local agencies and resources
- Home visits by qualified care coordinator
Please call 850-983-5200 x.207 to speak with a care coordinator. Walk-ins are welcome.
Making a Difference
Good nutrition, healthy habits, a positive state of mind, and a support system are important for a healthy baby. Please call Healthy Start and give you and your baby the best start in life... a healthy start!
Information on Immunizations
The Parents' Guide to Immunizations contains helpful information on vaccines (shots) for you and your family.
Text4Baby
Get free messages each week on your cell phone to help you through your
pregnancy and your baby's first year.
Mom Care
Mom
Care provides information, referral and assistance for pregnant women covered by
Medicaid. A maternity care advisor will contact you to make sure that you have a
prenatal care doctor, are enrolled in the WIC program and are screened for
Healthy Start risk factors.
Services
The maternity care advisor will initiate services to help you:
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Choosing a health care provider for you and your unborn baby
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Finding community resources
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Meeting your needs via educational services (ie. childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting or smoking cessation classes)
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Enrolling with the Women, Infant and Children's Nutrition Program (WIC)
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Obtaining Healthy Start Services
The best way to have a healthy baby is by preventing problems and getting early treatment. The best way to do this is to see your health care provider regularly!
For more information call 850-983-5200 x.207 to speak with a care coordinator.
Helpful Links
Florida
Department of
Children and Families
