The Healthy Start Program
The Healthy Start Program is a concept that involves a holistic approach to maternal and child health-service planning, community involvement, funding and provision of services.
Healthy Start provides moms and newborns with the resources, support and help they need to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy birth. Our goal is healthy moms and babies!

Is it based on income?
Your participation is NOT based on your income level. You and your baby are eligible for Healthy Start based on the Prenatal Screening Form or Postnatal Infant Screening Form.

What if I don't need any help?
Even if you don't have problems or desire to use the Healthy Start services, answering
the Healthy Start Screen will be helpful in gathering the data and funding necessary to
improve the system of care for ALL moms and babies.

Why should I enroll in Healthy Start?
To provide your baby with the best possible start in life, Healthy Start offers in-home
support services during pregnancy and the newborn period along with education classes
and support groups.

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!

What will Healthy Start do for me?

Healthy Start provides free services including:

• childbirth education
  
• parenting education
  
• smoking cessation classes
  
• breastfeeding education
  
• nutritional counseling
  
• confidential counseling
  
• support groups …and much more

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 less than three years old.

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.