In FY 1999, this comprehensive program funded high-risk services in the perinatal centers to 5,151 infants and 11,526 women. Planning for babies in the perinatal period includes access to child health services. Children 1st is Georgia's single point of entry to child health services through DPH, as well as referrals to other community providers. Many of these families were offered a comprehensive home assessment to identify their needs for services such as health care and parenting skills. In order to prevent or minimize disabilities, DPH operates newborn screening programs for all Georgia newborns in collaboration with hospitals.
Early intervention can minimize and in some cases prevent disabilities.
In FY 1999, the Babies Can't Wait program provided early intervention services to over 7,000 infants and toddlers to minimize their developmental delays. Most of these services were provided by private sector practitioners. The Childrens Medical Services program partners with private doctors to care for chronically ill and disabled children from birth to 21. In FY 1999, CMS helped over 15,000 children. Good nutrition can prevent or minimize many health problems.