Preconceptual Health Guide Link

MATERNAL/INFANT HEALTH PROGRAM (MIHP)

MIHP is a program offered at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health as a certified provider through the state of Michigan. The program targets high-risk pregnant women and infants through one year of age. To be eligible, you must have Medicaid or MOMS (Maternity Outpatient Medical Services) insurance and live in Saginaw County. Services are provided in the home by a nurse, dietitian, or social worker.

HEALTHY START - "GREAT BEGINNINGS"

The Healthy Start “Great Beginnings” program goal is to eliminate the disparities seen in infant deaths in Saginaw County. In 2002, three times as many African-American babies died as compared to the number of Caucasian babies who died. Therefore, an emphasis is being placed on lowering the number of deaths of African-American infants in our county. Healthy Start is open to all Saginaw County women who are pregnant and to families with children under two years of age. There is NO COST to be in the program, however, participants must be willing to have a nurse, dietitian, social worker, and or a health advocate come into the home for regularly scheduled home visits.

SERVICES FOR MIHP/HEALTHY START

• Pregnancy Testing
• Finding a doctor that cares for your health needs
• Finding a doctor for your baby
• Getting health insurance to pay for health care during the pregnancy and for your children
• Information on pregnancy, childbirth education, parenting, nutrition, and other health issues
• Finding help for:
  • Baby Supplies
  • Housing
  • Smoking cessation
  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health problems
  • Domestic violence
  • Transportation assistance for medical appointments and childbirth/parenting education
  • Immunizations
  • Family Planning

To receive more information or to make a referral to either MIHP or Healthy Start, please call (989) 758-3807 or toll-free: 1-866-449-2229.

HEALTHY START CONSORTIA

The Healthy Start Consortia is a group of current or past program participants who work with healthcare providers on The Saginaw County Infant Mortality Coalition. The consortium acts as an advisory group to the Healthy Start program.  This group is open to anyone who is directly affected by issues related to pregnancy and parenting in an effort to help our community decrease infant mortality.

The Consortia meetings are free and the group meets on the 3^rd Thursday of every month at 12 noon at First Ward Community Center, 1410 n. 12th Street, Saginaw, MI.  A light lunch and transportation assistance are provided.  To joing this group or to obtain more information, please call (989) 758-3693.

A provider group, the Saginaw County Infant Mortality Coalition is another advisory group for the Healthy Start program. This coalition is open to anyone who would like to plan activities related to the prevention of infant mortality in the community. Meetings are free and are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Bennie T. Woodard Jr. Public Health Center, 1600 N. Michigan Avenue, in Room 409 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. A light lunch is provided.

PARTNERS:
Healthy Start collaborates with many agencies in the community and across the state of Michigan. Locally some of our direct partners include:

• Health Delivery Incorporated: Provides comprehensive risk screening, education and referral services to all pregnant women seen at their clinical facility for prenatal care.
• The Saginaw Intermediate School District: Offers play groups in collaboration with Healthy Start. For additional information on parenting, play groups, and the Birth-Five program please call 249-8731.
• Covenant Healthcare: Promotes breastfeeding through making breast pumps available to families who qualify.
• Synergy Medical Education Alliance: Partnering in research initiatives as well as provider training within our community.