Healthy Start seeks to reduce infant mortality (the rate at which children die before their first birthday) in targeted areas of west Louisville. Infant mortality rates in these areas range between 1.5 and 2 times higher than those of Metro Louisville as a whole. Healthy Start contacts pregnant women through home visits and other outreach methods to make sure that women begin prenatal care during the first three months of pregnancy and that consistent care continues throughout pregnancy. The initiative reduces the number of low-birth weight babies and works to reduce infant mortality. Healthy Start continues to work with families after the birth of the baby through such programs as parenting classes and health clinics. Please See the Healthy Start video.
Healthy Start is administered in partnership with the community councils of the Bridges of Hope, Ujima, and Northwest Neighborhood Places. These councils are comprised of residents of the areas served by the three Neighborhood Places so that those living in the Healthy Start areas participate in shaping services to meet the needs of each neighborhood.
Please see the Health Start Newsletter
This program is "supported in part by Project H40MC00152 from the Healthy Start Initiative, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.
Healthy Start Services
Family Planning & Pregnancy Tests
WIC & Breastfeeding Support
Immunization
Pregnancy & Parenting Classes
TB Skin Tests
HIV Counseling
Healthy Start Stores