Health Start (Coconino & Navajo Counties)

The Health Start Program is a FREE neighborhood outreach program that works with pregnant women, new mothers and their families. The goal of the Health Start is to give your child and family the best chance of success through education and referrals to community resources. Families receive home visits and case management with oversight by nurses and social workers through the enrolled child’s second year of life.

Health Start goals:

• Prevent low-birth weight in infants
• Increase care for high-risk pregnant women
• Ensure every child in the program is appropriately immunized and has a medical home
• Provide health education to pregnant/postpartum women and their families on topics ranging from prenatal care, parenting, breastfeeding, well-child checkups, safety, childcare and more
• Screen for early identification of developmental delays and make appropriate referrals for treatment

Health Start can help:

• Determine pregnancy and refer you to a physician
• Answer prenatal questions and concerns
• Refer and assist with AHCCCS, WIC and other family services
• Prepare for labor, delivery and infant/child care
• Provide family development education

Health Start Community Health Worker

The Community Health Worker represents Health Start and lives in the community. He or she visits enrolled families and provides education, physical/emotional support and advocacy. Your Community Health Worker is here to help you and will continue to support you and your family for as long as you are in the program, or until your baby is two years of age.

Your Community Health Worker is not a medical professional, but is specially trained in:

• Prenatal growth/development
• Breastfeeding
• Labor and delivery
• Premature warning signs and infant care
• Nutrition during pregnancy
• Parenting
• Child growth and development
• Benefits of preventive healthcare (immunizations and well-child checks)
• Car seats
• Safety in the home

Community Health Worker Visits:

• At least once a month during pregnancy
• Before your baby is 2 weeks old
• When your baby is 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months old
• Additional visits as needed or requested
• Personal information discussed with your community health worker will not be talked about with anyone without your permission

Getting Started

You may enroll in the Health Start Program if:

• You live in the community served by the  program
• You are pregnant
• You just had a baby or have a baby less than 2 years old
• Complete and sign the Intent Form

Before a Community Health Worker can visit you and your family, you must complete and sign the intent form. The form gives permission for home visits and also gives information about the program, such as

• Program basics
• Activities and information provided
• Client’s right to look at their own record
• Number of expected home visits
• Right of the client to terminate enrollment in the program at any time
• Forms shared with the Arizona Department of Health Services

After enrollment, you can meet with your Community Health Worker at the times that are best for you. We look forward to visiting with you!

For More Information:

In Coconino County, call 928.522.9430 

In Navajo County, call 928.526.7758