Health Start

The Health Start Program is a FREE neighborhood outreach program that works with pregnant women, new mothers, and their families. The goal of the Health Start Program is to give your child and family the best chance of success through education and referrals to community resources. Families receive home visits and case management with oversight by nurses and social workers through the enrolled child's second year of life.

Health Start will help you:
      * Determine pregnancy and refer you to a physician
      * Answer prenatal questions and concerns
      * Refer and assist with AHCCCS, WIC, and other family services
      * Prepare for labor, delivery, and infant/child care
      * Family development education

The Health Start Program goals:
      * To prevent low birth weight in infants
      * To Increase care for high-risk pregnant women
      * To ensure that every program child is appropriately immunized and has a medical home
      * To provide health education to pregnant/postpartum women and their families on topics ranging from prenatal care, parenting, breast feeding and well childcare to safety and other issues
      * To screen for early identification of developmental delays and make appropriate referrals for treatment

What is a Community Health Worker?
The Community Health Worker represents the Health Start Program. Community Health Workers live in the community and visit enrolled families, providing education, physical/emotional support, and advocacy for you and your child.

Your Community Health Worker is not a medical professional, but is specially trained on:
      * Prenatal growth/development
      * Breastfeeding
      * Labor and delivery
      * Premature warning signs & infant care
      * Nutrition during pregnancy
      * Parenting
      * Child growth and development
      * Benefits of preventive healthcare (immunizations and well child checks)
      * Car seats
      * Safety in the home

When will my Community Health Worker visit me?
      * At least once a month while you are pregnant
      * Before your baby is two weeks old
      * When your baby is 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months
      * There can always be more visits if you want them
Your Community Health Worker is here to help you and will continue to support you and your family for as long as you are in the program, or until your baby is two years of age.

What is the intent form?
The Health Start Intent Form is your permission for the Community Health Worker to visit your home and to help you and your family. It must be signed before services are provided. It gives information about:
      * The “basics” of the program
      * Activities and information (to be provided by the Community Health Worker)
      * Client’s right to look at their own record
      * The number of expected home visits
      * The right of the client to terminate enrollment in the program at any time
      * Forms shared with the Arizona Dept. of Health Services

Is what I say kept secret?
Yes!! What you decide to tell your Community Health Worker will be kept confidential. Confidential means that any personal information you tell your Community Health Worker will not be talked about with anyone without your permission.

How do I join the Health Start Program?
You may enroll in the Health Start Program if:
      * You live in the community served by the Health Start Program
      * You are pregnant
      * You just had a baby or have a baby less than 2 years old

For More information about the Health Start Program refer to http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/owch/healthstart.htm

After you join, you can meet with your Community Health Worker at the times that are best for you. Please make an appointment to see us, and we look forward to visiting with you!