BCFS Health and Human Services Healthy Start Tyler is a maternal health nonprofit program. It recently expanded to serve all of Smith County. (Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

BCFS Health and Human Services has announced the expansion of its Healthy Start program throughout Smith County.

This initiative offers maternal and infant health services at no cost to families and aims to reduce infant mortality, improve maternal health outcomes and address longstanding racial health disparities in the region.

“We are excited to extend the Healthy Start Program to all of Smith County. Our mission is to empower families and improve maternal/infant health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy to give mom and baby the best opportunity to thrive,” said Davina Morris, Regional Director of East Texas. “We will offer comprehensive support services through Healthy Start-Tyler, connecting families with vital resources and fostering healthy habits for expecting mothers and their babies.”

The expanded services support mothers, babies and their families, covering pregnancy and continuing through the infant’s first 18 months of life. BCFS Healthy Start offers personalized case management and care coordination, including screenings for stress, depression, domestic violence, and prenatal care needs. The program strongly encourages the involvement of fathers and partners, recognizing the positive impact of family engagement.

Key program offerings include:

Mental Health Support: Access to in-house perinatal mental health clinicians and social workers providing essential therapy and referrals.

Transportation Assistance: Free medical appointment transportation ensures consistent prenatal and postpartum care.

Health Education and Parenting Classes: Evidence-based programs like March of Dimes – Becoming a Mom, Nurturing Parenting Program, and Partners for a Healthy Baby that promote informed, confident parenting.

Doula Services: Specialized prenatal doulas for high-risk pregnancies and postpartum doula care to assist mothers transitioning after birth.

Breastfeeding Support: Hands-on breastfeeding education and support through a partnership with WIC.

Safe Sleep and Infant Care: Education on infant safe sleep practices, accompanied by complimentary pack-n-plays and car seats upon course completion.

Developmental Screenings: Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) to monitor infant development and facilitate early intervention as needed.

Insurance & Healthcare Navigation: Assistance enrolling in Medicaid, CHIP, and other essential healthcare programs.

Nutrition and Food Assistance: Nutrition education and direct access to healthy food options through partnerships like East Texas Food Bank.

Expectant mothers, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations across Smith County are encouraged to learn more and sign up for these essential services by calling (903) 531-2100 or visiting BCFSCSD.org/HealthyStart.

BCFS Health and Human Services also provides residential services and emergency shelters for children who are abused or neglected, assisted living services and vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities, mental health services for children and families, foster care and adoption services, health services, transitional living services for youth and those in the juvenile justice system, residential camping and retreats for children and families, and international humanitarian aid for children living in impoverished conditions in developing countries.