The Florida Healthy Start program was initiated in 1991 by the late Governor Chiles in an effort to reduce fetal and infant mortality, reduce the number of pre-term deliveries and improve pregnancy outcomes. Services are contracted by the Bay-Franklin-Gulf Healthy Start Coalition and provided though the Bay, Franklin and Gulf County Health Departments.
The Bay CHD Healthy Start program provides care coordination services for pregnant women and infants. The Care Coordinators provide:
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Upon delivery of the infant, care coordination services are offered up to the age of three years. Many of these infants are substance exposed, and require periodic developmental assessments and referrals. The nurses also provide follow-up, home visits and developmental screening services to infants upon discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. They coordinate services with Children's Home Society Early Steps, and Children's Medical Services to insure that these infants receive developmental screening and intervention when necessary.
The Healthy Start care coordinators also work closely with the private providers, Healthy Families family support workers from Life Management Center, WIC, Bay District Schools, Tyndall Family Advocacy, and the Pregnancy Center to insure that the needs of the client are met.
Healthy Start is a voluntary program, and there is no charge for services. This is considered a public health service for the community. Clients are offered services through the obstetrician's offices or after delivery of the baby at the hospital. Referrals can also be accepted by calling the Bay County Health Department at 872-4455 ext. 1193, or by calling Janet McLendon, R.N. at ext. 1190.