EVERY BABY DESERVES A HEALTHY START

EVERY BABY DESERVES A HEALTHY START

Healthy Start helps those who are pregnant, those who are between pregnancies, and families with infants and children up to age 3 by providing Prenatal Education and Support, Breastfeeding Education and Support, Newborn Care, Parenting Education and Support, Smoking Cessation Education and Support, as well as other resources to promote health and wellness for families and babies.  Our Healthy Start staff members provide customized care to meet the unique needs of each parent or baby. 

Eligibility:

• Available to any pregnant mom, or family with child/children up to the age of 3 years.
• Must live in Florida
• Services are voluntary and provided free of charge.
• There are no income requirements.

Healthy Start Services:

Your Human Services Counselor will meet with you at your home, at our Lecanto location, or any other place that is convenient for you.  We can provide:

• Education and information about having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
• Prenatal Education and Support
• Childbirth Education and Support
• Breastfeeding Education and Support
• Newborn Care
• Parenting Education and Support
• Smoking Cessation Education and Support, as well as other resources to promote health and wellness for families and babies.
• Provide care coordination and referrals to other agencies as needed.
• Moms can call Healthy Start directly to enroll in services and self-refer.
• Inter-Conceptional Care available for a Mom who has had child removed, adoption, or loss for up to 18 months Postpartum.
• Pack-n-Play and Safe Sleep Bag of goodies available after completion of Safe Sleep Education while enrolled in Healthy Start Program.
• Limited supplies of family/baby items available while enrolled in Healthy Start Program (while supplies last).

How do you get started?

As soon as you think you might be pregnant, schedule a visit with you Obstetrician or Healthcare Provider. Ask for the Healthy Start prenatal risk screen, which is a simple confidential questionnaire completed by you and your medical Provider. If you would like to enroll in Healthy Start after your baby is born, ask your hospital of birth for the Healthy Start infant risk screen questionnaire or ask your Pediatrician for a Healthy Start referral. Once we receive your screening questionnaire, we will reach out to you to start services.

You can also call the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County Healthy Start program at (352) 513-6087 to self-refer or complete the referral form on the right and fax to 352-527-1093.