Harrison County Health Department

MATERNAL HEALTH 

Prenatal case management, pregnancy testing and follow-up, temporary Medicaid determination and post-partum home visits and follow-up are all part of maternal health.

 The prenatal case management program offers care coordination services to the client.  Clients are referred to the case management program from the WIC clinic, a physician, or from a positive pregnancy test done at the health department.  If the client meets one or more pre-determined risk factors, she is referred to case management.  This consists of monthly contacts to assure that the client is obtaining consistent medical care and other appropriate services, hopefully to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.  As of the end of 2006, 46 clients were in the program, 44 others were evaluated but did not qualify.

 Pregnancy tests are provided to any Harrison County resident requesting one.  All clients are counseled and referred for appropriate care.

Harrison County Health Department issues temporary Medicaid cards to pregnant women.  The client must fill out an application and meet the low-income eligibility requirement.  Staff provides assistance and instruction on the use of the card.  A “temp” card allows the client immediate access to prenatal medical care through participating providers.  At a later time, the client applies for a permanent Medicaid card from the Division of Family Services.

Home visits to the new mother and baby are another service provided by the health department nursing staff.  Many physicians want follow-up visits in the home to assure that both mother and baby are progressing satisfactorily.  A nurse makes a home visit to conduct a medical nursing assessment on mother and infant, as well as looking for any psychosocial needs they might have.  Teaching of newborn care and mother self-care are very important and provided as needed.  Sometimes (for example with prematurely born infants), these clients are referred to home health services if a longer period of evaluation is necessary.

Carolyn Queen, RN

Community Health Nurse

Maternal Health 2006 Statistics

Prenatals Served        263

Clients in Program       46

Clients Evaluated but did not qualify         44