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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.

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Healthy Start

Contact Us

  • 850-595-6641

  • Mailing Address

    Fairfield Service Center, 1295 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, Florida 32501

Healthy Start LogoIn 1991, state legislation created Florida’s Healthy Start program. The Healthy Start program aims to reduce infant deaths, decrease number of low birth weight babies, and improve health and development outcomes for all Florida babies. All pregnant women who receive prenatal care in Florida qualify for a Healthy Start screening by their obstetrician. Florida hospitals offer the screening to all new parents at the time of delivery. The screening aims to identify babies who have a greater risk for poor health outcomes. Before the screening begins, a parent must complete and submit a questionnaire about their baby’s health. The questionnaire is strictly confidential. Once the screening concludes, Healthy Start personnel will help families reduce risks by providing targeted care coordination services.

Eligibility

Eligibility is based on your screening score and/or any other identified risk factors. Eligibility is NOT based on income or other financial factors. For additional information regarding eligibility requirements, please call 850-595-6500, Extension: 1101.

Services

A Healthy Start Care Coordinator will help you arrange a variety of services as needed to help meet your needs and the goal for having a healthy baby.

Services include:

  • Home visits by health professionals
  • Help making doctor appointments
  • Childbirth education
  • Breastfeeding support and education
  • Parenting education
  • Family planning education
  • Smoking cessation support and education
  • Counseling services
  • Referrals for nutrition counseling
  • Coordination with local agencies and resources

Additional Resources

Access Florida

Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition

Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions

Florida Department of Children and Families

Maternal Child Health Problem Analysis

Safe to Sleep

Text4baby

Women's Health Services

Location & Contact Information

Fairfield Service Service Center, 1295 West Fairfield Drive

Healthy Start is open Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Call 850-595-6641 for more information.