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County board hears Healthy Start Loving Steps home-visitation report; program has served 18 families in Dinwiddie
Summary
City of Hopewell’s Healthy Start Loving Steps program, funded primarily by a Virginia Department of Health grant, has served 18 Dinwiddie families since expanding into the county in 2024, the program supervisor told the Board.
Carrie Wheeler, program supervisor for Healthy Start Loving Steps under the City of Hopewell’s Department of Healthy Families, told supervisors that the free home-visitation service began offering services in Dinwiddie in 2024 and has already enrolled and served 18 families in the county. Wheeler said the program focuses on reducing maternal and infant health risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight through individualized home visits and connection to resources.
Wheeler described a package of services—parenting education, nutrition guidance, lactation support, car seat safety checks, developmental screenings, and group support—offered at no cost to participating families. She said primary funding is from a Virginia Department of Health grant and that local fundraising (including an annual gala) helps provide emergency assistance such as temporary housing or financial support when needed.
