New Mobile Office Brings Services To Expectant Mothers

One of the biggest obstacles for some women in getting prenatal care is lack of transportation or not knowing where to go. healthy mothers/healthy babies of palm beach county will be changing that when a mobile office hits the streets.

The staff aboard the mobile office will help pregnant women who have not yet obtained prenatal care find out if they are eligible for various services through the Healthy Beginnings System of services. Those deemed eligible, can immediately be registered and referred to appropriate services. "Our clients have had to travel to different locations to register for these vital services. Unfortunately, many live in areas of the county that lack adequate public transportation which discourages them from making the trip," said Peter Nicoletti, chairman of the HM/HB board.

The lack of prenatal care, or late prenatal care, is directly related to poor birth outcomes, including low birth weight, which can lead to a host of physical and developmental issues. Some low-income pregnant women who also experience other issues are at higher risk of poor birth outcomes. The introduction of this mobile unit will help those hard-to-reach pregnant women obtain the services they need early and regularly to improve birth outcomes.

healthy mothers/healthy babies of palm beach county is the gateway to the maternal child health service delivery system. It is one of the agencies that comprises the Healthy Beginnings System of Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County. The system, a network of services, connects people to additional supports such as home visits by a registered nurse, education, nutrition information, childbirth education, breastfeeding support and parenting education.

For more information call: (561)732-2110 or 1-888-414-HMHB(4642)

© Healthy Mothers / Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc.