DOVER - The Tuscarawas County Health Department is making sure area families continue to benefit from an evidence-based program that promotes healthy growth and development for children ages 0 to 3. 

Health Commissioner Katie Seward says the board of health decided to take on the Help Me Grow Home Visiting program after learning that Personal and Family Counseling Services would be discontinuing the service at the end of the year. Seward says they didn't want Tuscarawas County families to go without this vital parenting education and child development resource.

"We are thrilled to begin offering Help Me Grow services to support parents in raising happy, healthy children," shared Seward. "Parents who schedule a free home visit will be able to share their thoughts about parenting, ask questions, and receive reliable information based on their family's specific needs. 

The Home Visiting program is funded through the Ohio Department of Health offers professional in-home consultation to empower pregnant women and new parents to empower them with the skills, tools, and the confidence they need to nurture the healthy growth of their children. Covered topics include healthy pregnancies, baby and child health, breastfeeding, nutrition, immunizations, child growth and development, discipline, toilet training, child safety, household safety, and local resources. Seward says the program fits right in with their family support offerings including car seat and safe sleep education classes, the annual community baby shower, and WIC program.

The health department will begin offering the program early next year. For more information or to schedule a Help Me Grow home visit, email HMGreferrals@helpmegrow.org or fill out an online referral form at https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/ochids/public/refer. 

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