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HANDS team at Three Rivers District Health Department
By Nila Harris
On September 11th and 12th, the HANDS team at Three Rivers District Health Department attended the Kids are Worth It conference in Louisville. This conference hosted by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky featured many sessions and guest speakers, including Governor Andy Beshear. Topics included internet safety, understanding abusive head trauma, tracking developmental milestones and much more. Each participant was “able to broaden their understanding of topics important to Kentucky households with the intent of sharing their knowledge with the families they serve," according to Patty Greene, RN and HANDS manager.
HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Developmental Services) is one of the many programs Three Rivers Health Department provides. It is a free in-home visitation program for new and expecting parents which offers support during the pregnancy-through the child’s second year of life. Families learn how to have a healthy pregnancy and baby and receive resources, referrals, and even a gift for completing the initial visit. The family is given a curriculum called Growing Great Kids, Inc which focuses on the latest information about infant development. They may also make hand-made toys that “encourage the infant’s development in all areas of growth.”
The program is NOT income-based and open to any expectant family. To find out more about HANDS, call the health department at 859-654-6985 or visit them on Facebook at Three Rivers District Health Department—HANDS program.