New Haven Healthy Start provides a continuum of improvements to a fragmented maternal and child healthcare system using a care coordination model. The model is exemplary in its comprehensive approach to maternal and child healthcare. Components of the model are extensive:
- referrals to medical facilities;
- case management and outreach;
- a networked data system accessible to all service providers;
- an examination process for all infant and fetal deaths;
- a collaborative to improve racial disparity and birth outcomes;
- a consortium made up of health officials and Healthy Start consumers.
The program is run through a large network of State-wide and local partners, including: Connecticut’s Department of Public Health, The New Haven Health Department, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Hospital of St. Raphael, Hill Health Center, Fair Haven Community Health Center, New Haven Family Alliance (Male Involvement Network), and Life Haven Inc.
New Haven Healthy Start is focusing its efforts in the African American population, in which the infant mortality rate is higher than any other race in New Haven. The program looks at all factors influencing birth outcomes, including racial and ethnic health disparities. Research shows that there are significant racial and ethnic health disparities in New Haven. A report entitled Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Low Birthweight for Connecticut (Morin, 2008) notes that African American (30.2%) and Hispanic (26.4%) women are three times more likely to receive late or no prenatal care in New Haven. In 2008, New Haven Healthy Start was successful in increasing the percentage of women entering a prenatal care program by 14%.
New Haven Healthy Start was an outgrowth of the work of the Commission on Child and Infant Health, which was convened by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven in 1985. The Commission was formed to address the high infant mortality and morbidity rates in New Haven and was a collaboration between health officials, community leaders and child care advocates. Its work provided the base for The Community Foundation’s application for federal funding for a Healthy Start program in New Haven. Since receiving its first Federal grant in 1997, the New Haven Healthy Start (NHHS) team has successfully implemented all core services for a federal Healthy Start program.
Below are some frequently asked questions of our staff about the
A(H1N1) virus, also known as Swine Flu. We hope these answers will help
keep you, your baby and family healthy this coming flu season.
What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?
The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus
seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are
expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting
infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like
symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 meter if possible)
and taking the following measures:
- avoid touching your mouth and nose
- clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an
alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the
mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated)
- avoid close contact with people who might be ill
- reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible
- improve airflow in your living space by opening windows
- practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active
- If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask
How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and
influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for
are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache,
body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner
and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:
- stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds
- rest and take plenty of fluids
- cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using
tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands
immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an
alcohol-based hand rub
- if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow
- use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly
- inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people
- If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a
health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary
When should someone seek medical care?
A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of
breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three
days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a
child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions
(seizures).
Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and
using a pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most
cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and
young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
Should I go to work or travel if I have the flu but am feeling OK?
No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you
should stay home and away from work through the duration of your
symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues
and others.