The stressors of meeting the needs of the family can be a significant burden for some Duplin County residents.  Some of these stressors include poverty, language barrier, limited education, teenage pregnancies, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, inadequate housing, poor parenting skills, health problems and children with special needs.

The purpose of Care Coordination Services is to offer assistance and support to high-risk families.  This is done by identifying their strengths and needs and coordinating services in order to enhance their health status, strengthen their support systems, promote self-sufficiency and encourage the development of effective parenting skills.

The staff of the Care Coordination Services at Duplin County Health Department consists of registered nurses, social workers and other highly trained individuals.  The programs include:

• Maternity Care Coordination
• Newborn Postpartum Home Visiting
• Child Service Coordination
• Maternal Outreach Worker
• Adolescent Parenting Program

Maternity Care Coordination

What can I do to give my baby a healthy start?

Early and regular prenatal care is essential in giving your baby a healthy start.   Avoid alcohol, smoking and drug use which can be very harmful to your unborn baby.   Be sure to eat nutritious foods, drink eight glasses of water a day, get plenty of rest, take your prenatal vitamins and follow your doctors orders.  Be familiar with the danger signs of pregnancy and report to your doctor immediately if any occur.   Share your questions and concerns with your MCC provider - she is there to help you through your pregnancy!

How can I find out more about this program?

To enroll in this program or to find out more information, please call the Health Department at 296-2130 and ask to speak with a Maternity Care Coordinator.

The NBPPHV is provided to eligible clients on a voluntary basis to assist the new mother during the postpartum period.  An assessment of the mother and baby is completed to detect any health concerns.  A variety of health and parenting topics are discussed including caring for the newborn, nutritional needs and feeding, safety issues, family planning options, breastfeeding, postpartum depression and development of the newborn.  Listening to the mothers concerns and answering her questions is a vital part of the NBPPHV service and referrals to various agencies are made as needed.

Who Can Participate?

Any postpartum woman who lives in Duplin County and receives Medicaid or does not have health insurance can receive this service within 2 months after delivery.

Who Provides the NBPPHV Service?

A trained Health Department registered nurse will provide this service.

Where and When Does the NBPPHV Service Take Place?

The nurse will visit you in your home when it is convenient for you.

How Much Does It Cost?

There is no charge to the client for the NBPPHV service.

How Can I Receive This Service?

A Health Department representative will visit you at the hospital to discuss the NBPPHV service.  Just let her know that you would like a nurse to visit you and your baby at your home.  If this service was not offered to you or if you delivered out of county, please call the Health Department at (910) 296-2130 and we will be glad to arrange a visit.

Child Services Coordination / CSC

Raising a child can be difficult. Raising a child with special needs may require extra help from family, friends, and professionals. You may need extra help if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions:

• Are you worried about your child's health, development, vision or hearing?
• Do you need financial help in meeting your child's needs for medical care?
• Could you and your family use support and guidance?
• Has your doctor or nurse told you that your child has a condition that may affect his/her health or development?

Child Service Coordination is here to help your child get the best care possible during the first years of life. The CSC Program identifies infants and children at high risk for developmental delays. CSC also assures that children receive routine medical care and immunizations, as well as, developmental screenings. CSC refers parents to appropriate services and focuses on serving the whole family.  The goal of the CSC program is to ensure that children with special needs will have maximum opportunity to reach their development potential.

Who is eligible?

Children from birth to three years old who are at risk for developmental delay/disability, serious illness, or social-emotional problems. Children from birth to five years old who have a diagnosed developmental delay/disability, serious illness, or social-emotional problems.

Is there a fee?

No. There is no financial criteria for this program. Enrollment is based on the need of the child and the family.

How do we get referrals?

We accept referrals from families, health care providers, early intervention centers, sickle cell programs, Headstart, day cares, schools, social workers, and others with a significant concern about a child's risk of developmental delay/disability.  To make a referral, please call the health department at 296-2130 and ask to speak with a child service coordinator.

What services will my Family receive?

The Child Service Coordinator will visit and conduct a needs assessment. Appointments will be made for routine medical care, immunizations, and special medical clinics. Referrals, as needed, will be made to home health nursing, early childhood intervention programs, nutrition, housing, day care, transportation, parent support services, and financial services, to name a few. Developmental screenings at age appropriate intervals will be provided by your Child Service Coordinator as well as specialists at the Development Evaluation Center.

As a Parent, How Can I Help My Child?

By making sure that your child has routine medical care and up-to-date immunizations. Keep all scheduled appointments.   Get help if I think my child may have a problem.  Learn more about preconception health, which means being healthy before you become pregnant. If you are pregnant, get early and regular prenatal care.

To enroll or receive more information contact a Child Service Coordinator at 296-2130

For Additional Information on Child Health visit The American Academy Of Pediatrics Web Site.

Who can Participate?

Any pregnant woman or infant less than 2 months of age who is enrolled in the Maternity Care or Child Service Coordination Program and needs extra support.

What are the MOW Services?

You MOW is a trained worker who will visit you in your home or community to provide health education, emotional support and referral to community and social service's programs as needed.  She works very closely with your Maternity Care or Child Service Coordinator to help you meet your needs.  Visits are conducted every two weeks or more often, if necessary.  The MOW service continues until the baby is one year old.

How can I find out more about this program?

To enroll in this program or to find out more information, please call the Health Department at 296-2130 and ask to speak with a Maternal Outreach Worker.