By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The Livingston County Public Health Department is offering the Healthy Families Program at the department.

This is a family focused program for new parents who are eligible for WIC.

Health Education and Marketing Director Erin Fogarty said this program has been in the county for several years with the purpose of helping parents.

“The whole focus of this program and what we believe behind it is all parents really want what’s best for their children and they are the best decision makers for their children. What we’re there to do is offer this extra layer of support. We know that parents always need support and it doesn’t hurt to offer this extra layer there and that’s what we’re there is to offer that little bit of extra boost,” Fogarty said.

Family Support Specialist Jill McCulloh describes what the program entails.

“The first thing that we do is we visit in the comfort of the client’s home. We provide education on growth and development. We do developmental testing. We help identify and offer referrals to services that may be beneficial to their families. Teach new parents fun activities they can do with their baby. Try to schedule group events for participants of the program so they can connect with other families in the area,” McCulloh said.

For more information, call the health department at 844-7174.