Healthy Families

Monroe County Health Department has several Maternal and Child Health programs that focus on health issues concerning women, children and families. Learn more about our programs below!

Baby Connections is our prenatal and postpartum care coordination program that helps families get support, education, and resources related to pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care. Services include:

  • Personal and family support
  • Nutrition, health, and wellness education
  • Information on having a healthy pregnancy
  • Connections to community resources that meet your needs
  • Coordination with medical professionals
  • Postpartum assessment and support
  • Other healthy families programs

For more information, call us today. Download the referral form here!

The best way to know if your child safety seat is secured properly is to have a professional check it out. Monroe County Health Department has several Certified Car Seat Technicians on staff who can check your installation and answer any questions you may have! Car seat checks and education are available at no cost. A donation of $20 is highly encouraged.  If you are in need of a car seat, you may qualify for an income-eligible program to receive a car seat. 

To schedule an appointment, contact Monroe County Health Department at 608-269-8666. Llámenos para programar una cita al 608-343-6713

Eligibility guidelines: participants include those whose income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

Monroe County Health Department provides Graco® Pack ‘n Play cribs (dependent upon availability) and training about safe sleep practices to income-eligible families.

For more information or to refer someone to a program please contact Monroe County Health Department at 608-269-8666. Access our updated referral form here. 

Eligibility guidelines: includes those whose income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, pregnant women in their third trimester, and parents of infants less than 1 year of age.

First Breath helps caregivers make positive changes to their tobacco, alcohol and substance use during pregnancy and beyond. Learn more here. Apply for the program here. 

Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine-preventable disease levels are at or near record lows. Many children, adolescents, and adults are under-immunized, missing opportunities to protect themselves against diseases such as Hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumococcal disease.  CDC recommends routine vaccination to prevent 17 vaccine-preventable diseases that occur in infants, children, adolescents, or adults.

Need to look up your vaccination record? Click here: Immunizations: Wisconsin Immunization Registry | Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Monroe County Health Department offers a variety of vaccines for children and adults. To learn more or schedule an appointment with a Public Health Nurse, call the Monroe County Health Department at 608-269-8666.

Click here for the Adult Vaccination Schedule 

Click here for the Birth-18 Years Immunization Schedule

Monroe County Health Department is a Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) site, meaning children (up to 18 years old) and adults (19 years+) who meet at least one of the following criteria are eligible for free or low cost vaccines:

  • Individuals who have no insurance OR have medical assistance/Badger Care.
  • Individuals who are Medicaid eligible or Medicaid enrolled.
  • Individuals who are American Indian/Alaskan Native.
  • Underinsured children and adults (has health insurance, but the coverage does not include vaccines or only covers selected vaccines.
  • Inmates at a county jail or at department of corrections facilities.

 

*We are not able to administer VFC or VFA program vaccines to those who have private insurance which covers vaccines, even if the insurance has a high deductible/co-pay.*

During flu season, we offer influenza immunizations that are able to be billed through insurance.

Studies show that reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. Your baby’s ability to learn grows from interacting with you, not a screen or educational toy. Taking the time to read with your children on a regular basis sends an important message: Reading is worthwhile! 

The Reading Empowers Development (RED) program was developed to educate caregivers on the importance of reading to children. RED books include an age appropriate book for children ages 6 months, 1 and 2 years, available in English and Spanish, and tips for reading to children. For more information on the RED program, contact the Monroe County Health Department at 608-269-8666. Click here to access a list of Monroe County public libraries. 

Safety for All Kids (SAK) Packs provide home safety kits and education to caregivers in Monroe County. SAK Packs contain home safety devices, such as door knob covers and plug protectors, along with educational materials on relevant topics, such as poison prevention and water safety tips. 

For more information or to refer someone to a program please contact Monroe County Health Department at 608-269-8666.

 
The purpose of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is to promote and maintain the health and well-being of income eligible and nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children.
 
Based on a health and nutritional assessment, WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, supplemental nutritious foods, and referrals to other health and nutrition services.
 
To find out more about WIC and see if your family qualifies for services, please click here

SAK Packs, RED Books, and Crib programs are made possible with generous donations from the Kindness Community (formerly Remembering Jesse Parker Foundation). Your continued support allows us to better serve the needs of our community!