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Local Voices

Healthy Families Rappahannock Area Expanding Services

Healthy Families Rappahannock Area is expanding their services to all women who have recently given birth. Previously, Healthy Families Rappahannock Area served first-time parents. This change was effective March 1, 2014. The program targets women delivering at Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford Hospital, and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center as well as women receiving prenatal care at the health department.  

 

Michele Powell, Program Manager for Healthy Families Rappahannock Area, shares “Providing our home visiting services to all new births is a change that is reflective of the needs of our community. It was often difficult for our referring partner agencies to identify first-time mothers who otherwise met the risk criteria for services. This change will help eliminate a barrier to families receiving this needed support to improve the overall well-being of their family.”

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While the primary focus of services will be the new child, other children in the home will benefit from the home visits and resulting support provided to the family. 

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Founded in 1997, Healthy Families Rappahannock Area provides intensive home-based services, designed to assist parents in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for their child. Their family support staff work with parents on importance of bonding, child development, and positive discipline. Their goal is to reduce child maltreatment and increase school readiness by building healthier families, healthier children and a healthier community. The program assisted 501 families in Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013). The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board serves as the fiscal agent. Healthy Families Rappahannock Area is a member agency of the Rappahannock United Way (CFC 99291 and CVC #6423). Healthy Families is participating in The Community Give on May 6, 2014 organized by The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region.

 

If you’d like additional information on Healthy Families Rappahannock Area or to make a referral, please contact Michele Powell, program manager, at 540-374-3366 or michelepowell@racsb.state.va.us.

 

 

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. RACSB operates five outpatient clinics which provide individual, group and family therapy; specialized counseling and case management services; psychological assessment; 24-hour crisis intervention; and medication management services. RACSB operates 13 group homes along with the Myers Drive Respite Group Home for adults with intellectual disability providing 24-hour intensive and structured support. RACSB also offers mental health day support, residential services, and crisis stabilization at The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery. The Parent-Education – Infant Development Program provides developmental, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as service coordination to infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

 

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