Our department provides leadership to improve health outcomes for women, children, and families through assessment, policy development and public health interventions. The health and well-being of families is fundamental to overall population health. Family Health encompasses a broad scope of health conditions, behaviors and service systems in three key areas or “life course” periods; maternal and infant health; child health; and reproductive, preconception, inter-conception health.
✅ Maternal and Infant Health
✅ Child Health
✅ Reproductive Health
and is designed to
Our required activities include:
✅ education campaigns;
✅ information & referral for women and families;
✅ outreach for health and human service providers;
✅ promoting policy, environment and systems changes; and
✅ assistance with health insurance enrollment and accessing comprehensive health care services.
Let’s roll up our sleeves to foster a community of immunity. Below is a series of Public Service Announcements from local families and health care providers sharing their experiences, expertise, and resources to connect people with resources they need to be healthy and protected. Find a medical home and please know we as a health department are here when and if you are ready to vaccinate.
Did you know - there are no OB/GYN healthcare providers in Essex County?! We know this can makes accessing care daunting to busy families. Our pregnancy support services are designed to provide education and referral services to expecting families through experienced public health nurse visits - either at home or over the phone.
FOR YOU
One (1) home nursing visit during pregnancy is available to all families residing in Essex County, regardless of insurance, to provide pregnancy support, childbirth and breastfeeding education. We encourage family members and significant others to participate and ask questions.
Face-to-face education, handouts & DVDs cover:
The Medicaid Obstetrical and Maternal Services (MOMS) Program is a program that provides health supportive services to pregnant women living in Essex County who are eligible, based on income, to receive Medicaid benefits. You may qualify even if you are working or have other health insurance. The MOMS Program includes:
CDC’s Reproductive Health Site
American Pregnancy Association
Teen Pregnancy—Nemours Foundation
LactMed - US National Library of Medicine Database of Drugs and Lactation
We support breastfeeding as the #1 choice for newborn and infant nutrition! Breast milk provides babies with perfect nutrition containing the nutrients and antibodies babies needs for excellent health. It is easier for babies to digest and creates a bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding also has health benefits for the nursing mother. We have a number of initiatives that support breastfeeding:
FOR YOU
1. Lactation (breastfeeding/nursing) Consulting - We have a Nurse certified as an Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC). She is available to work with all families -regardless of income - during all stages of lactation to assist moms and families through this amazing process. The benefits to babies and moms are endless and we are committed to providing this support, either through in-person visits or by phone. Any provider or agency can refer, as well as moms themselves! Call 873-3500 to ask for this service or make an appointment.
2. Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Connection - the WIC Program can connect WIC participants with a Peer Counselor. Peer counselors are mothers who have breastfed at least one infant and received special training from WIC in how to provide breastfeeding support. Call 873-3560 for more information.
3. Breast Pump Availability - the WIC Program can also issue personal use breast pumps or loan out hospital-grade breast pumps - at no charge! - to WIC participants. The type of pump issued depends on the participant’s needs and available pumps at the time of request.
Additional Resources
NYSDOH Breastfeeding Promotion, Protection & Support page
BreastfeedingPartners.org is site for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and breastfeeding peer counselors by the NYS WIC Training Center.
NYS WIC Breastfeeding Information and Support Link
IN OUR COMMUNITY
1. Policy Development - We're promoting the adoption of breastfeeding-friendly policies with community partners at hospitals, healthcare clinics, childcare providers and other community-based places.
2. Environmental Supports - We're working to create supportive community environments (like wall-art, window clings, posters, and more) that made breastfeeding easier and more comfortable within our communities.
3. Marketing & Communication - We're working with media partners to advance the social norm of breastfeeding and nursing in public through print articles and imagery.
Supporting Healthy Families will be offered Thursdays in March from 11:00am – Noon. Register by March 1st.
