Health

Smart Start offers a variety of preventive health programs that address root causes of learning gaps. Many of programs are not run in house, but rather administered within partner agencies that receive funds from Smart Start of Forsyth County. The following are current Smart Start preventive health programs:

Children’s Center Transportation
The Children’s Center for The Physically Disabled provides transportation to and from the school on mini-buses for approximately 12 children (birth to three) with orthopedic and other chronic health impairments or those who are considered at-risk for such difficulties and who cannot afford to pay the cost of transportation to the center. This enables low-income children with special needs to be served at The Children’s Center for the Physically Disabled in high quality, inclusive settings. This activity is conducted during the school year, August through June.
Contact: 727-2440 http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/ccenter

Preschool Special Education Liaison
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Exceptional Children’s department provides a full-time preschool liaison and Spanish interpreter who coordinates evaluations within the community and completes educational assessments for children ages 3-5 who may need special education services. During the school calendar year evaluations are conducted within the child’s home, child care centers, preschools, and/or the school system intake office. Those who qualify will receive an Individualized Education Plan, and a variety of individualized services will be provided at their child care center, home, or local elementary school by licensed educators.
Contact: 771-4730 http://mts.admin.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/

Spanish Interpretation
The Downtown Health Plaza of Baptist Hospital (DHP) provides Spanish-language interpretation for pregnant women and women with children ages birth to five. Spanish-language interpreters who have passed a written and oral examination using medical terminology serve as interpreters for the patients accessing health care through the DHP. Interpreters are also trained to assist patients with accessing other resources throughout the community. Interpretation services are available throughout the DHP during all operating hours.
Contact: 713-8621 www1.wfubmc.edu/dhp

Dental Health Program
Forsyth County Department of Public Health houses a preschool dental health program to address the dental needs of children birth to five years of age. The program provides oral health assessments, referral and follow-up services, and dental health education for children, their parents, and child care providers. Emphasis is placed on education and prevention of dental disease before it occurs. Efforts are focused on high-risk populations including, but not limited to, licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and community outreach events targeting children birth to five years old.
Contact: 703-3376 www.co.forsyth.nc.us/Publichealth

Medicaid Eligibility
In collaboration with the Forsyth County Department of Social Services, the Downtown Health Plaza houses a Medicaid eligibility worker who ensures that children have adequate access to health services through enrollment in Medicaid and NC Health Choice. The eligibility caseworker, along with an interpreter, works to increase the ease of enrollment for Medicaid and NC Health Choice at the time medical services are sought. Services are also available in Spanish.
Contact: 727-2248 www.co.forsyth.nc.us/dss

Food and Nutrition Program
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension offers an expanded food and nutrition education program that provides pregnant teens, young mothers and Hispanic mothers with young children nutrition education to promote healthier pregnancies and reduce infant mortality. Services consist of instruction in the Expanded Foods and Nutrition Educational Program. Emphasis is on teaching young mothers the hands-on, practical part of nourishing their families well, in spite of limited resources. The services are offered throughout the community and in participant’s homes. Services are also available in Spanish.
Contact: 703-2850 http://forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/