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.
In FY 2000, each month approximately 218,000 women, infants and children received nutritious supplemental foods, along with appropriate nutrition education through the WIC program. In addition, the WIC Farmer's Market Nutrition Project helped 7,330 families to purchase fresh fruits and vegetable from local farmers in 13 counties. The Immunization Program works with county health departments, community health centers and private providers to assure children are immunized against 11 vaccine preventable diseases. The program is also involved in statewide efforts to prevent flu and pneumonia among the elderly and chronically ill and special initiatives to reduce Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in high-risk groups. More than 200,000 school children were screened for vision, dental health, hearing and scoliosis, and another 200,000 children were given complete checkups.