Voices of Appalachia Healthy Start is a home visitation and community education program for pregnant women, and families who have young children.Healthy Start's mission, both locally and nationally, is to reduce infant deaths, to reduce healthcare disparities, and to give every child the best possible start in life. This goal is accomplished through educating parents in the importance of seeking early prenatal care and encouraging them to maintain good health practices including proper nutrition and smoking cessation throughout pregnancy. After the baby is born, staff works with parents to help them learn about their child's physical, social and emotional needs. Important issues such as "Back to Sleep" reduce the risk of SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome are also addressed. Parents are given guidance to help them express their concerns with their healthcare providers, and how to bring about positive community changes by having an active voice in community activities.In Whitley County, Voices of Appalachia Healthy Start is part of the services offered through the Whitley County Health Department.Highly skilled home visitors assist families in ways that help them become more self-sufficient in their own families and in the community. Families learn how to access resources, how to become more effective parents, and how to assure that their family's healthcare needs are met.Paraprofessional outreach workers, case managers, a health educator, a registered nurse, a clerk and a project director make up the Healthy Start staff.Staff offer in-home visits and support, refer to needed services, and provide information about pregnancy and infant care.Transportation is also offered to participants who do not have any other means to access healthcare.All services offered through this program are free to participants.Prevention and education are the primary features of this Healthy Start Program. No direct medical services are offered.
