Programs & Services
Perinatal Programs
Perinatal Programs have been a part of health department services since the medical community discovered that monitoring women during pregnancy reduced the rates of maternal and infant mortality. As with all health department programs, the Perinatal Programs have constantly evolved over the years. Today, the Perinatal Programs offer more support than actual prenatal care. We leave the prenatal care in the capable hands of our area physicians. Perinatal Programs of South Health District are composed of three different subprograms. Any or all of these programs can be provided at or by your local health Department except Echols County and the satellite offices in Hahira and Lake Park. Services for these clients can be obtained through the Lowndes County Health Department. There are five RN’s and five Social Services Technicians working full time to serve the pregnant women and those who have recently delivered in our ten county area. For further information about the Perinatal Programs contact one of the following: your local Health Department; Laverne Morgan, RN, Women’s Health Coordinator at 229-333-5290.
| Perinatal Case Management (PCM) - PCM is the program that assesses, plans, implements, locates, coordinates and monitors services appropriate for pregnant women. The purpose is to improve birth outcomes by helping women gain access to needed medical, nutritional, social, educational and other services. During the first visit a client needs-assessment is performed by a Registered Nurse who then devises a plan of care specifically for that woman and that pregnancy. Referrals are made as needed to physicians, Medicaid, WIC, Housing, Behavioral Health, GED centers, English Classes, Child Birth Education, etc. The clients are tracked as their pregnancy progresses and the plan of care is altered as needed. The Perinatal Program's staff keeps an up-to-date Resource Manual of available resources and services in that county. The requirements of this program are a positive pregnancy test (performed by a nurse or physician) and financial eligibility. |
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| Pregnancy Related Services - PRS is a program that provides home visits by a Registered Nurse at scheduled intervals during the infant's first year of life. The purpose is to help reduce infant mortality and maternal and infant morbidity. The RN performs a “mini” physical on the infant and checks the mother’s vital signs and fundus. A wide variety of subjects are addressed during the visit to encourage the mother to provide appropriate newborn and self care. Referrals are made for Family Planning Services, WIC, High Risk Newborn Follow-up, etc. The requirements for this program are delivery within 28 days. |
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| Presumptive Eligibility Right From the Start Medicaid (PERSM) - PERSM gives temporary immediate Medicaid coverage to allow a woman quick access to prenatal care. The applications are forwarded to Right from the Start Medicaid workers who determine if the woman is eligible for Medicaid coverage for the duration of her pregnancy and 60 days after delivery. Requirements are a positive pregnancy test by a professional and financial eligiblity. |
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