The Ross County Health District is now providing home visiting to families and caregivers in Ross County through the Healthy Families of America program. Healthy Families of America is an evidence-based program focused on relationships, cultural respect, and a family-centered approach.
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The new local program, Ross County Healthy Families, uses home visitors to provide family support by equipping parents/caregivers with skills and tools that promote the health and development of children, at no cost. With nearly one in four children in Ross County in poverty, through home visiting the Health District will be working to ensure that all children have the same opportunity to realize their full potential regardless of socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural differences.
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Once enrolled in the program, parents will be able to ask questions and receive reliable information about parenting. Topics covered throughout the program include healthy pregnancies, baby and child health, breastfeeding, nutrition, immunizations, child development, discipline, and safety. Additionally, home visitors will help connect families with local resources to meet the needs of the families being served.
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Tiffany Benner and Lydia Wolfe, both lifelong residents of Ross County with extensive experience working with children and families to operate the program, will be running the program.
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Services are offered to pregnant women and those with a child under three years of age in the home. Parents or caregivers can qualify for this free service if they meet income guidelines and have a qualifying experience such as being a first-time parent, pregnant and under 21, a family with a history of substance use disorder, tobacco users in the home, or active military family, among others.
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To see if you qualify for services and for more information, individuals can call the Health District at (740) 775-1146.