Maternal and Child Health

Public health nurses, dietitians, social workers, and community workers provide prevention and early intervention services to eligible women, children, and families in Spokane County. The following programs are part of the Community and Family Services division. Call (509) 324-1640.

SIDS Safe Sleep poster (pdf)
Who’s Watching Your Baby brochure (Shaken Baby Syndrome) (pdf), Russian, Spanish
Tips For Calming a Crying Baby (magnet) (pdf), Russian, Spanish

Video: Shaken Baby Syndrome-Have a Plan to Keep Your Baby Safe (high-speed access) (medium-speed access) (dial-up)

Child Care Program – Childcare centers licensed to care for at least four infants receive consultation about health and safety practices, growth, development, and nurturing for children with special needs.
Child Care Program Brochure (PDF)
Guidance in applying for Special Needs Child Care Rates (PDF)

First Aid/CPR and Washington State STARS-approved classes on specific health and safety, behavior, and relationship topics are offered to childcare providers to help meet state licensing requirements. For information on classes and fees, see Classes or call (509) 324-1650.

Early Intervention Program (EIP) – Public health nurses provide home visits and case management to children and families identified by Child Protective Services (CPS) . Parenting skills and child development education are provided, along with access to childcare and other resources through the CPS system. Call (509) 324-1649.

First Steps – This statewide program was created in 1989 to help pregnant women get the health and social services they need to be a healthy mom and to have a healthy baby. Medicaid-eligible pregnant and postpartum women receive maternity support services and case management from the First Steps team. High-risk pregnant/parenting women – teens, homeless, and women using alcohol or drugs – are connected to additional community resources. Apply for First Steps through your local DSHS Community Services Office (CSO). Call (509) 324-1646.

General Field/Public Health Nursing – Public health nurses provide specialized nursing assessments covering a variety of health and safety issues for infants, toddlers, pregnant and parenting women and teens, single fathers, developmentally delayed parents, premature infants, children with special health care needs, and families at risk for child abuse, neglect or drug/alcohol use. Health and parenting education opportunities with community partners, as well as support for families impacted by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are also offered. Call (509) 324-1640.

Passport Program – Children placed in foster homes for longer than 30 days are referred by the Division of Child & Family Services (DCFS) to public health nurses who gather, review, analyze, and track the medical history of each child. Each child’s “passport” is assessed every six months; healthcare is recommended to the foster parent and DCFS caseworker. Call (509) 324-1649.