Maternal Child Health

Maternal Child Health Programs are designed to provide health, social and educational services for families residing in Ford and Iroquois counties. To assure easier access to medical services and to provide continuity of care, staff members will assist clients in assessing needs, make appropriate referrals, monitor progress and make home visits. The programs include:

Family Case Management

A comprehensive case management program is in place to monitor the health status of pregnant mothers and children. Clients enrolled in the program are assisted in receiving services necessary to insure a healthy start for their children

To qualify for family case management you must:

  • live in Ford or Iroquois counties
  • meet federal income guidelines

Family Planning

The family planning program is designed to assist clients to choose an appropriate birth control method and to prepare for an plan pregnancy by choice and under circumstances of lowest risk.

Clinics are scheduled each month to provide examinations, provide counseling services and distrube contraceptive supplies. Supply pick-up time is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Healthy Families Illinois (HFI)

The HFI Program assesses a family's strengths and provides support toward the enhancement of positive parent/child interaction and development.

To qualify for HFI you must:

  • live in Ford or Iroquois counties
  • be pregnant or have a baby that is in the first two weeks of life

Immunizations

Childhood immunizations are needed to protrect children from diseases that might otherwise be deadly. Immunizations work best when given at the recommended ages and at recommended times. Parents should call the health department to schedule an appointment for their child to receive their immunizations.

Lead Screening

It is very important to detect lead poisoning early in children to prevent conditions such as brain damage, mental retardation, blindness, muscle weakness or even death. The only sure way to detect lead poisoning it to have your child tested. Call the health department office to schedule an appointment.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

To respond to all sudden, unexpected infant deaths that are reported and to offer professional counseling and referrals to grieving family members.

Teen Parent Services (TPS)

The TPS Program works to assist teen parents in obtaining their high school diploma or GED, in order for them to learn accountability and responsibility for improving their lives and the lives of their children while moving toward ending welfare dependency.

Women, Infants and Children Program (W.I.C.)

W.I.C. is a supplemental food program designed to insure that pregnant or nursing women, infants and children up to age five are supplied with food products and education which will contribute to a healthy and nutritional diet.

To qualify for W.I.C. you must:

  • live in Ford or Iroquois counties
  • meet the W.I.C. income guidelines
  • have a nutritional/health need

Other services include:

  • pregnancy testing
  • applications for the State Health Insurance
  • developmental screenings
  • loan of car seats when available and education on proper use of car seats