About The Program
Healthy Start legislation provides for universal risk screening of all Florida's pregnant women and newborn infants to identify those at risk of poor birth, health and developmental outcomes. The Program involves a holistic approach to maternal and child health, encompassing service planning, community involvement, funding and provision of services.
Why should I enroll in Healthy Start?
Healthy Start provides moms, newborns and families with the resources, support and help they need to develop a healthy pregnancy and a healthy birth. It also provides your baby with the best possible start in life. Services, classes, and support groups are available to you during your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.
Who can get Healthy Start?
ALL pregnant women regardless of their marital, economic or immigration status are eligible to participate in the Healthy Start program, if they are at high risk for a poor pregnancy outcome. This includes post-partum women and their newborns up to age 3 years of age.
How do I enroll in Healthy Start?
As soon as you think you may be pregnant, schedule a visit with your obstetrician or health care provider. During this initial visit, ask for the Healthy Start Prenatal Risk Screen. This is a simple one-page questionnaire that is completed by you and your medical provider. The answers to these questions are kept confidential and are used only to provide the best possible care for you and your baby. It's as easy as that - and it's up to you! Just say YES to the screen! OR call us at 954-563-7583 to complete a Self Referral over the phone.
How much does it cost?
Healthy Start is a free program offered in the state of Florida. It is available to all pregnant women and families with babies up to three years of age.
What services does Healthy Start provide?
The range of Healthy Start services available to pregnant women, infants and children up to age three include:
- Outreach
- Care coordination to assure access to needed services
- Childbirth education
- Parenting education and support
- Nutrition counseling
- Psychosocial counseling
- Tobacco education and cessation counseling
- Breastfeeding education and support
- Home visiting
and much more...
Is Healthy Start for babies too?
Yes. Before you go home from the hospital or birth center, ask your nurse if your baby has received a Healthy Start Postnatal Infant Screening. This questionnaire can uncover factors that could affect your health or the baby's growth and development during the very important first year of life.
What if I don't need any help?
Even if you don't have problems or desire to use the Healthy Start services, completing the Healthy Start screen at your doctor or midwife's office will be helpful in gathering the data and funding necessary to improve the system of care for ALL moms and babies in Broward County.