Born Healthy Programs

All children in Kent County are born into conditions that support safe births, healthy beginnings, and infant well-being. Families have access to programs and services that promote healthy pregnancies, strong parent health, and optimal development during the first year of life. 

• Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) – Cherry Health 
  Enhanced by Ready by Five funding, Cherry Health’s MIHP provides individualized support for expectant parents and families with young children through home- and community-based services, childbirth and parenting education classes, and breastfeeding/lactation support. The multidisciplinary team includes registered nurses, social workers, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), an Infant Mental Health Therapist, and bilingual Spanish-speaking clinical staff. Families may also receive maternal and infant health education, developmental and emotional well-being support, care coordination, resource navigation, and connections to healthcare and community resources. Limited transportation assistance may be available based on eligibility and program guidelines. MIHP services extend from pregnancy through 18 months after birth, and Infant Mental Health services are available to eligible families with children up to age 5. Families do not need to be current Cherry Health patients to participate. 

• Strong Beginnings – Corewell Health 
  Supports pregnant and postpartum Black and Latine parents through home visits by Community Health Workers who serve as peer mentors to provide social support, education, and referrals for needed resources. A fatherhood initiative serves male partners. Behavioral health counseling is provided for clients dealing with mental health or substance use issues. Services are offered at home or other convenient locations. Community education, discussion groups, and breastfeeding cafes are also offered. (Prenatal – 18 month old) 

• Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan – Healthy Homes Ready by Five 
  Offers in-home screenings for health hazards such as lead, poor air quality (including asthma triggers), and injury risks. Families receive education, coaching, and supplies to reduce identified hazards.  

• Lead Program Expansion – Kent County Health Department  
  The program helps families identify and reduce lead risks through education, prevention, and coordinated services that protect children’s health and promote safe home environments for residents of Kent County. Another element of the program provides nursing case management and home visits for children with elevated blood lead levels or at risk of lead poisoning.  

• Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) – Kent County Health Department 
  Community-driven effort led by Kent County Health Department to address social, economic, and health factors affecting healthy births. FIMR brings together health providers, parents, advocates, and community leaders to review cases and take action. 

• In-home Postpartum Support – MomsBloom 
  Supports families during the postpartum period through in-home practical and emotional support that promotes family well-being and helps parents navigate the early months after birth.