The WIC Program

My main focus is on teenage pregnancy. The WIC program is something that can be extremely helpful. WIC if for mothers during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after you give birth. You can get WIC for your child for their whole first year. This will help with the formula. After that you get it until the child is 5 years old. When you get it after they are one you get regular milk, juice, cheese, eggs, and stuff like that. You benefit because you and your child are getting nutrional value, and screening and referrals to other health and welfare services. This program is only given so much to work with. I think this could be something very beneficial to young pregnant teenagers.

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.