Healthy Start is a voluntary program that provides education and support by a Social Worker, Registered Nurse, or Family Support worker. Services will be provided in your home or at the Florida Department of Health in Bradford County (DOH-Bradford). Our goals are to reduce premature births and infant mortality.
Who qualifies for Healthy Start?
Healthy Start is available for Bradford County women who are pregnant or have a baby 3 years of age or younger. Our services are free and not based on income.
How does Healthy Start receive clients?
When a pregnant woman has her first prenatal visit or when the baby is born at the hospital, a Healthy Start screen is offered. Please SAY YES to the screening! We also receive referrals from community providers or clients can make a self-referral.
What services does Healthy Start offer?
We offer education and support to help moms have a healthy pregnancy and baby. A professional assessment is completed and services are provided tailored to each family’s individual needs and resources.
Services include:
- Car seat checks and fittings
- Breastfeeding education and support
- Case management
- Childbirth Education
- Community referrals
- CPR and First Aid
- Home or office visits or telephone support
- Baby spacing and reproductive life planning
- Nutritional assessment and education
- Parenting education and support
- Psychosocial counseling
- Smoking cessation education and support