Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The HANDS program

The Hands program stands for Health Access Nurturing Development Services. It is a voluntary program that is offered to new and expectant parents. They can address any questions or concerns that you may have about your new bundle of joy. Services can begin before you give birth or anytime before a child is 3-months old. Why you should participate is because the parent(s) are the most important people in a baby's life. Parents are the most important teachers that a child will ever have. Parenting can be very stressful and this can be a helping hand. The program promotes healthy pregnancies and birth, healthy child growth and development, and healthy and safe homes. Mainly young teenage unwed mothers are referred to this program but it can be for any new expectant parent. This is something that I believe would be a huge help to many first time parents and to get in touch with the program all you have to do is get a referral from your local health department. Home visits are possible with a HANDS representative.