Program Description Healthy Babies, Healthy Children is a free, confidential and voluntary program for expectant families and those with children 0-6 years of age living in the Kenora Rainy River District.
A team of Public Health Nurses and Parenting Partners provides families with support and information on topics such as caring for new baby, feeding and nutrition, growth and development, discipline, as well as many other issues they may want to know about. The Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program, together with community partners, links families with appropriate resources, supports and services in the community.
The program offers: - Prenatal support including prenatal class registration, information for all stages of pregnancy, a free book called Babys Best Chance, and access to milk coupons for clients who qualify.
- A telephone call from a Public Health Nurse after baby is born, within 48-hours of discharge from hospital.
- The Public Health Nurse will also offer to visit new families in their homes to weigh baby and assess how Mom and the new addition are doing, offer support, answer any questions and provide information on community programs and services.
- Home visiting program to offer support and help expectant mothers and families prepare for a new baby.
- Home visiting program for families with children 0-6 who may need extra support and guidance to promote healthy child development.
- Service planning and coordination, which is designed to help families who need extra support, navigate the system of services and make sure they are accessing the programs and services they need.
Community Partnerships The Childrens Regional Advisory Council acts as the advisory body for the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program. The council goals are:
- Address gaps, barriers and overlaps in early years services.
- Facilitate interagency cooperation and collaboration in service delivery.
- Provide advice and participate as appropriate in promoting the programs offered by members of the Childrens Regional Advisory Council.
Agencies represented on the council include:
- AKRC
- Child Development Centre/Ontario Early Years Centres
- Dryden Regional Health Centre
- Family and Childrens Services
- Integrated Services for Northern Children
- Keewatin Patricia District School Board
- Kenora Association for Community Living
- Kenora District Services Board
- Ministry of Community & Social Services
- North Words
- Northwestern Health Unit
- Patricia Centre for Children & youth
- Rainy River District School Board
- Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board
Hotlines
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program
1-800-465-4377
Crisis Response Services
1-866-888-8988
Kids Help Line
1-800-668-6868
Motherisk-Alcohol & Substance Use Information
1-877-327-4636
Motherisk-Information for Pregnant & Nursing Mothers (not toll free)
1-416-813-6780
Poison Control
1-800-268-9017
Telehealth
1-866-797-0000