Contact:
859-734-4522
Carol Chumley, RN,
Hands Coordinator
ext 140
Rheda Mayes
ext 143. |
HANDS
The Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program is a voluntary home visitation program for new and expectant parents. Families begin by meeting with a HANDS Parent Visitor who will discuss any questions or concerns about pregnancy or a baby's first years. Based on the discussion, all families will receive information and learn about resources available in the community for new parents. Some families will receive further support through home visitation. That’s right, information brought right to the home.
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Who Can Participate? |
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First-time moms and/or dads residing in Kentucky.
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When do HAND Services Begin? |
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Services can begin during pregnancy or anytime before a child is 3 months old. If interested contact the local health department.
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What can parents expect? |
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- Support through your pregnancy and the early years of your baby's life.
- Ways to make your home safer for your baby.
- Information on how to care for your baby.
- Facts that will let you know your baby is growing and developing in healthy ways.
- Activities that you and your baby can enjoy together that can stimulate your child's brain development.
- Access to other community services.
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Why participate in HANDS? |
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- Parents are the most important people in a baby's life.
- Parents are the first and most important teachers a child will ever have.
- Parenting is a very demanding job, and all parents have worries, questions, and stress.
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How does the program work? |
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In the prenatal period the family is screened after a referral is made. This referral can be made by the doctor’s office, the health department, your church, friends or family. A trained home visitor will visit your home to introduce parenting skill development in areas such as recognizing your baby’s needs, what to expect as your baby grows, making your home safe, etc. The frequency of visits will be determined by the family's needs.
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Important Telephone Numbers: |
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- Abuse Hotline: 800-752-6200
- Childcare: 502-564-3527
- KY Commission on Women: 502-564-6643
- Daycare Issues: 502-564-2800
- Licensing and Regulations: 502-564-2154
HANDS: 502-564-3756
- Mercer County HANDS: 859-734-4522
- K-CHIP (Health insurance for children): 502-564-6890
- Medicaid Ombudsman: 502-564-5080
- State Ombudsman: 800-372-2973
- Poison Control: 800-222-1222
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children): 502-564-3827
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