Healthy growth and development is the cornerstone of a child’s success. For this reason, the health benefits of children should be one of the principal goals of comprehensive early childhood initiatives. This is reflected in North Carolina’s Smart Start initiative with goals highlighting the enhanced use of preventive health care and the earliest possible detection of developmental concerns, with appropriate referral for early intervention services. Smart Start of New Hanover County provides the following health related services:

Child Care Nursing

Public health nurses provide preventive health & safety education, assistance in developing health policies & medical action plans, and immunization monitoring for children 5 and under in child care facilities. New Hanover County Health Department, 343-6608.

NC Health Choice/Health Check

Provides free or low-cost health insurance for children of working families that qualify. Insured families are linked to physicians, promoting preventive health care. Smart Start of New Hanover County, 815-3731.

Health Check Coordination

Increases the utilization of preventive health practices (i.e. well-child check-ups) by children with Medicaid. The Health Check Coordinator communicates directly with parents regarding their scheduled appointments. New Hanover County Health Department, 343-6687.

Lay Health Advisor

Provides peer support and mentoring regarding nutrition and physical activity to Latino Families with young children.  (Support from Kate B. Reynolds Foundation)  Smart Start of New Hanover County, 815-3731.