The Children and Families Commission of Orange County’s Healthy Children programs boost the overall physical, social, emotional and intellectual health of children during the prenatal period through age five.
The Bridges for Newborns is a centerpiece of the Healthy Children initiative. The Commission partners with birthing hospitals and a network of service providers to identify children whose families could benefit from additional family support and link them to a network of those services. The program assists parents in enrolling their children in health insurance programs, and establishing relationships with clinics and doctors for immunizations and well-child checkups. Parents receive videotapes and pamphlets on early childhood development, as well as a popular book, What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick.
The School Readiness Nurse Expansion program is another key Healthy Children initiative. A school-based nurse initiative began in 2004, and by 2005, a school readiness nurse position was created at every participating elementary school in Orange County. As a result, thousands of young children now receive general health and development screenings, and proper immunizations prior to their first day in school.
Other programs under the Commission’s Healthy Children initiative include:
A Children’s Health & Safety program in which the Commission partners with many organizations to reduce the number of child deaths and disabilities due to preventable causes.
A Fitness & Nutrition program to implement the Project LEAN Start (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition) program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Orange County.
A Children’s Dental Health Initiative ensures children in Orange County receive dental services and preventative education, including the successful Healthy Smiles program.
The Pediatric Health Service program combines Commission efforts with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and UC Irvine Medical Center to develop programs to deal with children’s health issues.
Project Connections/Family Resource Centers, a successful program in which Commission funds set up pioneering Family Resource Centers that provide access to health care and insurance, health education, in-home support services, parenting classes and a range of other services for pregnant women and families with children up to age five
Read the Commission’s Recent Report: