Pregnancy brings many new questions and challenges. Becoming a part of Healthy Start may be one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Healthy Start provides the tools to better understand pregnancy while preparing for labor, delivery and the challenges of parenting. Healthy Start includes home visits by case managers and outreach workers who are highly skilled in the areas of child and maternal health. All Healthy Start services are free of charge.
Healthy Start is a program supported in part by Project No. H49MCO3590 from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act).
What does the Healthy Start Program offer?
Health Education classes – Healthy Start provides free monthly classes for parents who are expecting a child or with children up to age four. Classes include money management, interactive toddler days, nutrition, breastfeeding and positive parenting. All classes are open to the public.
Future Planning – Case managers, outreach workers and support staff focus on providing resources to help participants set realistic goals for the future.
Support Network – Infant mental health services are available to participants and their children, along with educational and emotional support.
Community Partnership – Healthy Start works with a diverse group of organizations which provide complementary services for participants. Healthy Start staff works diligently to ensure participants receive updated information regarding other community agencies.
Consortium – Healthy Start participants and networking agencies participate in a quarterly consortium. Discussions include improving the program and marketing services using direct feedback from participants. Those interested in becoming part of the consortium, call the Healthy Start office at 337-295-7021for scheduling and location information.
Parent Store – Participants earn ‘parent bucks’ for participating in the home visit part of the program, attending classes/events, being actively involved in the consortium and reaching goals. ‘Parent bucks’ can be redeemed at the Healthy Start Parent Store. Items available include hygiene products, child clothing, diapers, wipes and more. Donations are gladly accepted.
Graduation – Participants ‘graduate’ from Healthy Start once the child reaches two years old. Once a year, Healthy Start conducts a graduation for the participants who successfully completed the program. We honor those families during the event with a certificate of completion.
For more information, contact the Healthy Start office:
4540 Ambassador Caffery
Building D, Suite B220
Lafayette, LA 70508 (Near Women’s & Children’s Hospital)
Tel: 337-295-7021
E-Mail: info@acadianafamilytree.org
Click
here if you are a service provider and want to make a referral to
Healthy Start.
Healthy Start Links:
www.marchofdimes.com
www.1800251baby.org
www.zipmilk.org
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