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Contact Us

Call 1-800-432-4121 for information or to make an appointment.

Your local health department provides many supportive services for you and your family. For more information about our services, or to make an appointment, please call (231) 547-0295 or 1-800-432-4121.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program

WIC provides free food to women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, and infants and children up to age 5. A family may have many members participating in WIC. Each person's food package is valued at $50.00 per month and includes milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, peanut butter, and infant formula. Medical, nutritional and financial needs are reviewed to determine WIC eligibility. Immunizations are also provided at WIC appointments. For more information, visit the MDCH WIC Website

Maternal and Infant Health Program

These programs assist families with pregnant women or young children by providing information on pregnancy, preparation for the baby, infant care, infant feeding, and parenting. Childbirth education classes and help with transportation costs are available. Services are available to families with Medicaid and may be provided at the health department or in a family's home.

Newborn Home Visits

Local hospitals and the health department are pleased to offer a home visit to every family with a new baby. Families can request the visit during their hospital stay and a nurse will make a visit to weigh the baby, answer questions, and provide information on caring for a new baby, as well as community resources such as playgroups.

Stepping Stones to School Visits

As part of the Stepping Stones network, Health Department of Northwest Michigan is pleased to offer an additional home visit to all families with children under age one, living in the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School district. A nurse will make a visit to weigh the infant, answer questions, complete a developmental screening, and provide information on ways to enhance the infant's brain growth and development, to help ensure school success. For more information on this visit, please call (231) 547-6217, or toll-free (877) 866-3714. You can download the Stepping Stones Registration Form or register on-line.

Children's Special Health Care Services

This program assists with payment of specialty medical care and equipment when a family has a child with a chronic health condition. Assistance with accessing community resources, which include a parent hotline and travel and lodging assistance, is also provided. For more information visit:
MDCH CSHCS Website

Health Services for Children Entering Kindergarten

Entering school is a major milestone in your child's life. It is important for your child to be in good health for school. Services available through your local community health agency office are described below. Hearing, vision, and immunization appointments will be available at your local health department office.

Blood Lead Screening

Exposure to lead can damage the nervous, blood, and kidney systems, and is particularly harmful to the developing nervous systems of fetuses and children under 6 years of age. The principal sources of lead exposure for children are house dust contaminated by lead paint, and soil contaminated by both leaded paint and decades of inductrial and motor vehicle emissions. Blood lead screening is available at all of our offices. The fee is $25.00, or Medicaid is also accepted.

Hearing and Vision Screening

Your child's ability to see and hear is very important to the learning process. A vision test is required prior to school entry. Appointments are available in each county for free vision and hearing screening. In cooperation with your local school district, hearing and vision testing is offered through your child's school years according to the following schedule:

Vision: Preschool, and grades 1, 3, 5, & 7
Hearing: Preschool, and grades 2 & 4.

FREE Vision Screening is available at your local health dept. office for all children, 3-18 years of age. FREE Hearing Screening is available for all children 6 months of age and older. Call 231-547-0295 or 1-800-432-4121 for an appointment.

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