Information, resources, and services to help moms and babies get the best start in life are now just a phone call or click away in all Interior Health communities.
Healthy From The Start is a one-stop shop that connects pregnant women with appropriate services in their community to support a healthy pregnancy. Information and resources are available on a variety of subjects including accessing prenatal care, when to seek medical care, mental health, relationships, breastfeeding, parenting, and more.
The program, formerly called the Prenatal Registry, was launched in six pilot sites last year with a great response.
“During our first year, over 500 women from the pilot communities used our service to connect with a public health nurse, learn about healthy pregnancies, and find out about services in their communities,” Nadine Johnson, program leader, said in a statement on Tuesday, October 15. “We are thrilled to now offer this service to women in all Interior Health communities.”
Healthy From The Start can be reached through the toll-free line at 1-855-868-7710 or online by submitting the program contact form at www.interiorhealth.ca/HealthyFromTheStart. When a woman contacts Healthy From The Start, she will be connected with a public health nurse who will complete a health screening questionnaire; provide information on programs, supports, and resources available in her community; and make referrals as necessary.
“We encourage all pregnant women to take advantage of this service and to call early in their pregnancies,” Johnson said. “Receiving early prenatal care and connecting with supports and services has a tremendous impact on both the mother’s health and the health of the baby.”
Healthy From The Start is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4 pm PST / 9:30 am to 5 pm MST.
For more information, visit: www.interiorhealth.ca/HealthyFromTheStart
