To help support healthy families in Northern Michigan, we provide many different services. Choose a category below to find programs to meet your needs. Not finding what you're looking for, or could use some guidance? Our Central Intake operators are happy to help: 1-800-432-4121.
Pregnancy, Infants and Children
Lead poisoning is the number one environmental health threat to children in the U.S. Blood lead screenings are provided in WIC at 12 and 24 months of age, and at monthly clinics in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties. Medicaid is accepted. Screening is available to Non-Medicaid clients for a $25 fee.
The Health Department offers one-to-one breastfeeding support by a trained peer counselor and lactation consultants via phone, office visits or home visits. All office locations provide a welcoming atmosphere for breastfeeding, including a calm, quiet space for mothers looking for more privacy while they feed their baby. All pregnant mothers on WIC are encouraged to attend the FREE monthly breastfeeding class offered in Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties.
Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) is a program for children and some adults with special health care needs. Public health nurses and public health technicians at your local health department are available to answer your medical/healthcare questions and to help you locate resources for your child. You may also go to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service's page on Children's Special Health Care Services to get more information.
A FREE program offering connections to community resources for adults, children, and families. Individuals will get help with access to medical care, transportation, food, utilities, education, job-seeking services and more! Services are provided by phone calls, office visits or home visits and delivered by a Community Health Worker, Registered Nurse and/or a Social Worker in Antrim, Emmet, Charlevoix and Otsego counties. Clients may be referred by their physician or via self-referral by calling 1-800-432-4121.
The Health Department has eight convenient Dental Clinics North locations throughout Northern Michigan. Dental Clinics North takes pride in having a caring and experienced staff that can provide the best dental care to its patients. We offer a wide range of dental treatments for all age groups, no matter what kind of insurance or income level your household has, including those with Medicaid, Healthy Kids, MiChild, and uninsured individuals.
HFNM is a free home visiting program offered from pregnancy up until the child's 4th birthday. HFNM Family Support Specialists recognize that parents are the most important teachers! Our team of home visitors share the most current growth and development information and related activities along with personalized, family-focused support. Families are in the driver's seat and the home visitors are there to walk alongside parents and caregivers to help families reach their potential.
For request more information, please complete this online form or download this Healthy Families Northern Michigan brochure
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, Kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9Hearing:
Preschool, Kindergarten, and grades 2 & 4FREE Vision Screening is available at your local Health Department of Northwest Michigan office for all children, 3-18 years of age. FREE Hearing Screening is available for all children 6 months of age and older. Call 1-800-432-4121 to make an appointment.
The Health Department offers immunizations to all ages. We work with most insurances and have programs to make vaccines affordable or free for all individuals. The Health Department also offers free vaccine education for any individuals or families that have concerns or questions related to vaccines. Call 1-800-432-4121 to schedule an appointment at any of our locations or any of our off-site clinics.
We can provide you assistance in getting health insurance. Learn more about what might be a good fit for your family.
MIHP is a Home Visiting program for pregnant women and infants with Medicaid. MIHP supports healthy pregnancies, and healthy babies. Our team of Nurses, Nutritionists, and Counselors can answer questions related to pregnancy and infant care. They can help you work on your goals to have a healthy pregnancy and baby!
The Health Department offers a free home visit to all families in our four-county area after the birth of their baby. Our trained nurses provide breastfeeding support, community referrals, Postpartum Depression screening, a weight check, and much more. Most hospitals have a form you can sign and the nurse will call or text you to set up an appointment. Not sure if that happened? Call 1-800-432-4121 and we can connect you to a nurse!
WIC aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for eligible women, infants and children by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious food, and referrals for health and other services. Fluoride varnish and immunizations are also offered during WIC appointments when eligible.