FAQs

What is Healthy Start?
Healthy Start is a statewide non-profit program that provides pregnant women and infants with the resources, support and help they need to have positive health outcomes. The program is voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost to you.

What is the Healthy Start Screening?
The Healthy Start Screen is a simple one-page questionnaire that is completed by you with the help of your doctor, midwife or facility staff member. Every prenatal care provider and hospital/birthing facility in the state of Florida is required to offer a Healthy Start Screen to all pregnant women and new mothers.

What if I don’t need services? Should I still complete a Healthy Start Screen?
Even if you don't need help or want to use Healthy Start services, answering the questions on the screen assists in obtaining the information and funding necessary to improve the health care system for ALL mothers and babies in Florida.

How do I qualify?
The program is voluntary and available to all Florida residents. To determine if you qualify to receive services, you must initial “YES” next to all three consent questions on the screen and sign it. If you initial no next to any of the consent questions, you will not know if you or your baby is at risk or be able to receive any Healthy Start services.

How does Healthy Start make a difference?
The goal of Healthy Start is to reduce infant deaths, reduce the number of low birth-weight and premature babies and improve health and developmental outcomes. Healthy Start services can help you have a healthy baby. Ask for a free screening today to see if you qualify.