Baby Care Program
The Baby Care Program is for expectant moms and infants up to 2 years of age. Baby Care provides pregnant women with the support and services they need through intensive case management and coordination of care. The program aims to improve birth outcomes by ensuring pregnant women and infants receive all the services they need.
This program offers free services for patients currently enrolled in FAMIS, FAMIS PLUS, FAMIS MOMS and Medicaid, and who are not currently enrolled in a Managed Care Organization. Individuals who are not currently enrolled in any of the insurance programs listed above should contact the Baby Care Program Coordinator for information regarding eligibility.
This program specializes in the promotion of health moms and healthy babies through case management services and support for high risk infants and expectant moms.
Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Baby Care Services include:
- Case management of medical services and other community services
- Nutrition counseling for the mother
- Nutritional assessment of the infant
- Smoking cessation classes
- Prenatal care education
- Child development education
- Homemaker services (if the mother is placed on restricted activities or bed rest by her doctor)
- Transportation ServicesContact your Baby Care Coordinator:
Karla Shuler, RN, BSN - Karla.Shuler@vdh.virginia.gov
1701 High Street, Suite 102
Portsmouth, VA 23704Phone (757) 393-8585 Ext. 8751
Obesity Prevention
Obesity prevention programs are designed to teach children, adolescents, parents and caregivers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. These are fun, energetic, interactive classes that are held in the community. If you are interested in learning more or hosting a class please contact Jessica Mullen at 393-8585, ext. 8541 or Jessica.Mullen@vdh.virginia.gov
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Becoming A Responsible Teen! Curriculum is a comprehensive program that empowers teens to make smart choices. The program provides teens with negotiation skills and the confidence necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse and other sexual behaviors that place them at risk for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Pregnancy. Classes are held in the community and can be arranged for your organization. If you are interested in learning more or hosting a class please contact Brittany Watson at 393-8585 ext. 8573 or Brittany.Watson@vdh.virginia.gov .
Schedule this class for your group today!
Low Income Child Safety Seat and Installation classes
This program provides free child safety seat to eligible families who can not afford them. To qualify for a free child safety seat, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Mediciaid or income
- Be the parent, legal guardian, or foster parent of a child requiring a seat
- Be in the last trimester of pregnancy
- Be available to attend a safety seat installation and use class
For more information contact Dorothelia Williams at 393-8585 ext. 8531 or Dora.Williams@vdh.virginia.gov
Nursing Home Screenings (for Medicaid eligible clients)
In partnership with Social Services, provides screenings to assess the long-term care needs of individuals to provide the appropriate level of services through community based care or nursing home placement. For more information please contact Gwendolyn Childs at 393-8585, ext. 8555.
Baby Care Case Management
Enhanced case management services for high risk pregnant women and infants up to age two to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality and morbidity. For information please contact Karla Shuler at 393-8585, ext. 8751.
Happiest Baby on the Block
A single session class designed for soon-to-be parents and parents of infants between the ages of 0-3 months. During the class, parents will be taught the techniques that will help calm and soothe a crying baby. Participants will receive a DVD, soothing sounds CD, and a swaddler to help ensure they do have the Happiest Baby on the Block. Classes are currently being held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Portsmouth Community Health Center (1601 Lincoln Street) at 1:00 PM. Please call Jessica Mullen at 393-8585 ext. 8541 or email at Jessica.Mullen@vdh.virginia.gov to reserve your spot or if you would like to have Jessica come to your organization.
Infant Mortality Reduction
Planning for a pregnancy and being in good health before pregnancy are essential steps in promoting healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes. PHD offers a variety of presentations on how you or your organization can help reduce our infant mortality rates. If you are interested in learning more or hosting a class please contact Jessica Mullen at 393-8585, ext. 8541 or Jessica.Mullen@vdh.virginia.gov
Other Community Health Education Services
We can provide presentations on a wide variety of health topics, including:
If you are interested in a topic that is not listed, please contact Jessica Mullen at 393-8585, ext. 8541 or Jessica.Mullen@vdh.virginia.gov, we maybe able to assist you.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES