(215) 685-5234 More info 
(215) 685-5257 (fax)
Since 1999, Healthy Start has helped the communities of North Central Philadelphia develop and implement strategies to reduce high rates of infant mortality, low birthweight and other poor perinatal outcomes. The project area runs from Vine Street north to Allegheny Avenue, and from Broad Street west to the Schuylkill River.
Project objectives include: increase the capacity of women and families to actively engage in, and benefit from, health-related services; increase the community's capacity to develop strategies to address infant mortality and other perinatal health disparities; improve coordination of perinatal health and related services; and build self-sustaining systems that enhance the health outcomes of women & their families.
Through a subcontract with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, a team of community health workers, social workers and nurse case managers work with Healthy Start clients to create personalized care plans. The team provides education and advocacy, and fosters integration among family planning, prenatal, pediatric and social services.
The North Philadelphia Alliance (NPA) provides support to the project. The NPA is a local coalition of women, their families (including fathers), health care providers, businesses, churches, elected officials, and public & private organizations. NPA members work with Healthy Start to address disparities in perinatal health.
(215) 685-5255 More info
(215) 685-5257 (fax) Providers
Since 1991, the Healthy Start Initiative has changed the lives of thousands of women, children and families in West and Southwest Philadelphia. As one of the 15 original Healthy Start sites funded by the Department of Health and Human Services to reduce infant mortality in targeted communities, the Philadelphia project has improved family health through a broad range of innovative programs and dedication to community partnership.
The third phase of Healthy Start in West & Southwest Philadelphia began in July 2001. This phase focuses the project's activities while adding new components that address perinatal depression and interconceptional care. Phase III of Healthy Start is scheduled to continue through July 2005.
Current Healthy Start services in West and Southwest Philadelphia include the following: case management and home visits, targeted outreach, preventive health education, interconceptional care, perinatal depression and bereavement services, and clinical services at City health care centers. All non-clinical services are provided by a range of community organizations that share a long history with Healthy Start and/or the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
The Healthy Start Advisory Council provides support to the project. The Advisory Council is a dedicated team of consumers, residents, community leaders and Healthy Start providers that provides an essential bridge between the community and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
HEALTHY START PROGRAM
1.5.04