Health department requests three‑month extension for Health Start home‑visiting grant

Health and Social Services staff told the Board July 17 that a Health Start grant — a competitive program that funds countywide home visiting for pregnant women and families with children up to age two — will be extended for three months while a new award is being determined. "This is just an extension for an additional 3 months," the health presenter said. The extension would cover July 1 through Sept. 30, staff said. Health Start provides home visits and education on nutrition, car-seat safety, breastfeeding and postpartum support; staff said the program is countywide and focuses on families with children up to age two. The Board received the briefing and requested no changes; staff will present the extension paperwork for formal approval at the regular meeting.