Maternal and Child Health

Working collaboratively with families to increase participation in healthy behaviors and further an understanding of long-term health impacts. 

Maternal Child Health Services
The Maternal Child Health Team is available to assist families in locating resources and connecting with community supports.  Examples of services include:

  • Providing education and guidance to pregnant and postpartum women and families 
  • Breastfeeding support services
  • Helping women to quit tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy
  • Promoting childhood lead poisoning prevention and providing follow-up services for children with lead exposure

 

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides 24/7 connection to confidential support. Call or text 988 or chat with someone at 988lifeline.org. The national suicide prevention lifeline is also still available at 1-800-273-8255. 

                                                          

Lead Program
Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children.  When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves and blood.

Lead may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and in extreme cases, death.  Some symptoms of lead poisoning may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness, and irritability.  Children who are lead poisoned may show no symptoms.

Both inside and outside the home, deteriorated lead-paint releases its lead, which then mixes with household dust and soil.  Children may become lead poisoned by:
- Putting their hand or other lead-contaminated objects into their mouths
- Eating paint chips found in homes with peeling or flaking lead-based paint
- Playing in lead-contaminated soil

The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department offers free phone consultation for homeowners who have children 6 and under residing in or visiting a home or apartment built prior to 1978.  Anyone with questions about lead paint and lead poisoning should contact the West Bend Office at 262-335-4462.

Additional information about lead poisoning prevention, including a listing of certified Lead Abatement Contractors can be found at Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Environmental Protection Agency

Click HERE for additional information.