Healthy Start Services

The Healthy Start goal of improving pregnancy, health, and developmental outcomes is facilitated.

Healthy Start is a free home visitation program for pregnant women and families with children up to age 3. You and your family can get information, education, and support to get the care you need to give your baby the best possible start in life. Goals of the Healthy Start program are to improve pregnancy, health, developmental outcomes and reduce the number of preterm and low birth weight babies. If you are eligible for and participate in Healthy Start services, you can expect to:

  • Get one on one support in your home or another convenient location throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born
  • Receive tips for reducing everyday stress and anxiety
  • Learn about and get connected with services available in your community
  • Understand changes to your body and emotions during pregnancy
  • Learn what to expect during labor and delivery including warning signs for early delivery
  • Receive breastfeeding education
  • Discuss and understand your pregnancy healthcare benefits
  • Get help finding prenatal and pediatric health care
  • Get tips on taking care of your new baby
  • Learn about how your baby grows and support your baby’s development
  • Find out ways to keep your baby healthy and safe including car seat safety, water safety, and safe sleep education
  • Learn about your options for planning future pregnancies
  • Receive prenatal and postpartum depression support with referrals for additional services if needed

How to Enroll

Enrollment begins with the Healthy Start screening or referral. Your doctor or midwife is required to complete the Healthy Start screen with you during your first prenatal visit while the hospital or delivery facility will screen your baby after you deliver. The information you provide in response to the questions on the screening form is utilized to determine your need for information or services.  Be sure to ask your prenatal care provider to screen you for Healthy Start if you have not yet completed the screening form.

If your prenatal risk screen or referral is forwarded to us based on your answers, you will be contacted by a Connect specialist. Connect is a telephonic service that helps pregnant women, caregivers and families with infants up to age 3 by providing a one-stop entry point for information and services. There are many programs and services available for pregnant women and new parents in Broward County and your eligibility for services is not based on income or immigration status.

If at any time you need assistance, you can always call Connect at (954) 567-7174 or click here to complete an online referral to be contacted by one of our Connect specialists.

Healthy Start Service Providers

Avanti Support & Services, Inc.

Healthy Start is a program of the Florida Department of Health.  The program and is funded by the Florida Department of Health along with the Healthy Start MomCare Network with funding from the Agency for Health Care Administration.