Child Health Services

Child Health

Madison County Health Department offers comprehensive well child care visits to children from newborns to 21 years of age, living in Madison County. The department accepts Health Check/Health Choice, some private insurance, and self-pay clients on a sliding fee scale based on family income. Patients are seen by appointment by calling 649-3531. Services include, but are not limited to:

  • Well child history and physical
  • Day Care, Kindergarten, Sports and Camp, College Physicals
  • Laboratory testing
  • Immunizations
  • WIC nutrition program for eligible patients
  • Developmental screenings
  • Hearing and vision screenings
  • Dental Varnish
  • Referral to Child Service Coordination
  • Referrals to private physician or specialty physician as needed

Child Service Coordination

Case management services are provided by a social worker, called Child Service Coordinator, for children from birth through 3 years of age who may have or are at risk of having developmental delays, disabilities, chronic illnesses or social/emotional problems. Children ages 3-5 years may continue on CSC if there is a diagnosed developmental delay, disability, chronic illness or social/emotional problem. Services include home visits, parenting support and encouragement, and referrals to needed services and programs to help ensure children reach their maximum potential. This program is free of charge. Medicaid and non-Medicaid children may receive this service. Call 649-3531 for questions or to make a referral.

Childbirth/Lamaze Classes

Childbirth classes offer parents an opportunity to prepare themselves for the labor and delivery of their baby. Topics that are covered in a 5-week series of classes include: body changes during pregnancy; signs of preterm labor; stages of labor and labor positions; comfort measures during labor; role of the support person during labor and delivery; techniques to manage labor pain with fewer medications using relaxation and massage; breastfeeding; care of your newborn and what to expect during the postpartum period. Classes are offered at the health department regardless of your prenatal provider. Call 649-3531 for questions or to schedule a class.

Fluoride Varnish Program

Eligible children, 6 months through 41 months of age, can participate in the Fluoride Varnish Program. Fluoride varnish is an effective treatment to prevent tooth decay in very young children who are at risk for dental decay. Fluoride varnish is safe, fast, and easy to apply. At each fluoride visit, parents receive dental health education while children receive their fluoride varnish application. This combination of education and preventive treatment helps children develop good dental health habits. For an appointment, call 649-3531.

Nutrition and WIC

Children who are eligible can participate in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program). Nutritional counseling and education are provided to parents and/or care givers.

Health Check/Health Choice

North Carolina participates in the federal Child Health Insurance Program to provide health insurance to children who do not qualify for Medicaid or have any other insurance. Children who do not qualify for Medicaid will be referred for – Health Choice. Applications are submitted to Madison County Department of Social Services. Call 649-2711 for more information.

Child Safety

Links

Child Passenger Safety – Child safety information from the National Highway Safety Transportation Association. Child safety seats, etc

(www.nhtsa.dot.gov)

Safe Kids – Safe Kids website

(www.safekids.org)

Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina – Find out how to prevent or stop child abuse and neglect in your community.

(www.healthychildcarenc.org)

NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center – This link has many resources for children and families.

(www.preventchildabusenc.org)

Health Check / Health Choice

(www.ncdhhs.gov)

Dental Services

The Madison County Health Department Dental Center provides comprehensive dental care which includes prevention and treatment of dental problems. Children ages 4 years and older may be seen at the center. The center accepts Medicaid, dental insurance, and a sliding fee scale based on income. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday and occasional Fridays. Call 649-1271 for an appointment.

School-Based Health Center

Patriot Place Health Center is the new school based health center. The Madison Middle School Based Health Center  provides comprehensive medical services to children attending the middle school. Behavioral health counseling and nutrition counseling are also  available to students and their families. For additional information,

call 649-3857.

Child Care Health Consultant (Smart Start)

Smart Start is North Carolina’s early childhood initiative to ensure young children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. The Madison County Partnership for Children, Smart Start, helps working parents pay for child care, improves the quality of child care and provides health and family support services in Madison County.

A child care health consultant or the Smart Start nurse is employed by the Madison County Health Department and funded through the partnership. This nurse visits county child care services, public and private, on a regular basis and is available for health care consultation to child care staff daily. Child health services provided at the child care centers may include hearing and dental screenings, developmental screening, and a variety of preventive health education activities for the children. The nurse also trains child care center workers in First Aid and CPR annually. The Smart Start nurse serves as a resource for children and their parents/guardians and for child care staff.