Healthy Start

Healthy Start 

The focus of the Florida Healthy Start Program is prevention. When the needs of pregnant women are met, the results are healthier babies and mothers. The program is available to all pregnant women and mothers with infants in Glades County. This program is voluntary and eligibility is not based on financial factors. A free health screening is provided at your first visit with a doctor or at the hospital after your baby is born. The health screening helps to identify if your baby is at-risk for:

• Pre-term birth
• Health problems
• Fetal/infant death
• Low birth weight
• Developmental delays

Program Highlights:

1. Education/Teaching - Prenatal - growth and development of the fetus, healthy eating habits, breastfeeding education, exercise, signs and symptoms of potential problems, premature labor, true labor, effects of alcohol, smoking, and illegal drugs on the developing fetus, and contraceptive methods.

2. Infant - growth and development information, safety, parenting information, birth control information and referral, immunization and healthcare information, nutritional information, and breastfeeding support.

3. Home Visits - by social workers and paraprofessionals for teaching, referral and support as needed to assure each family has the resources to be healthy and self-sufficient.

4. Client Advocacy - Interceding with area agencies on behalf of the client/family to obtain needed services.

5. Referral Services - referrals to agencies providing GED programs, parenting, childbirth, smoking cessation, food, furniture, clothing, housing, and other services when clients are in need.

6. Psychosocial Counseling (Trained Professionals) - referral to drug/alcohol social workers.

7. Care Coordination Services - addressing the strengths and needs of the entire family unit.

Contact Information - For more information please call the Healthy Start Program office at (863) 674-4041 ext. 131, 132, or 147.

Give Your Baby a Healthy Start!