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In This Section . . . |
Health Education Services |
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Healthy Kids Program
The Health Department provides pregnancy testing and temporary Medicaid cards for pregnant women in order to help ensure proper prenatal care. Pregnant women are screened through the department's WIC program in an effort to identify medical or social factors that may place them or their baby at risk during the pregnancy or after their child is born. Examples of medical problems include high blood pressure, diabetes and pre-term labor. Social areas of concern can include teen pregnancy, homelessness and past or present substance abuse including drugs and alcohol. Once risk factors are identified, clients are offered Prenatal Case Management services. Case Management staff "follow" women through the course of their pregnancy and provide consultation and services as well referrals to the "Healthy Kids" program or other community resources when appropriate. The "Healthy Kids" program provides post-partum home visits for the purpose of supporting and monitoring child development and assisting families in moving toward self-sufficiency. These visits are available from birth through the child's second birthday. A Lactation Consultant may also be scheduled to visit the home to offer guidance and support to mothers who are breastfeeding or are considering breastfeeding their child. "Healthy Kids" staff participate in community-based programs aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy and unintentional injuries. Resources:
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| Site Credit: Nexus Communications Group |
The
"Healthy Kids" program operates in conjunction with other health
department staff and programs to provide a wide array of services for
pregnant mothers, their unborn children and children after birth.