HEALTHY FAMILIES

AGENCY SELF-DESCRIPTION:  Healthy Families is funded by a grant from First Things First to ensure all of Arizona’s young children are healthy and ready to succeed in school.  Verde Valley Medical Center and First Things First partner with Verde Valley parents to help meet family needs through a voluntary, free home-visitation program.   The program is offered to mothers-to-be and those with babies newborn to three months. Families stay in the program through the child’s fifth year.   

WHAT IS SHARED DURING HOME VISIT?

A family support specialist visits each week to discuss family relationships topics including parenting, child development, literacy and school readiness. Visits include activities from the “Growing Great Kids” curriculum. These play activities enhance communication, language development and physical, intellectual and social-emotional development.  

HOME VISITS INCLUDE:

Referrals to community resources - Information about infant brain development - Developmental screenings at regular intervals - Breastfeeding support - Instructions on child-proofing your home - Developmental toy-making out of common objects - Advice to help siblings adjust to a new baby - Emotional support for parents and family members - Monthly play groups for social interaction

Healthy Families is a member of Northern Arizona Healthcare, which also provides healthcare services through Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Team Health, Northern Arizona Homecare and Northern Arizona Hospice, The Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona, Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, Verde Valley Medical Clinic, Fit Kids of Arizona and Guardian Air.