Child Health Clinics are growing!

 

Child Health Clinics began in 2002 as a “one stop shopping” opportunity for families with young children. The goals of the clinics are to increase parental awareness of childhood health issues and ensure access to screening and early identification of problems. In 2004, Child Health Clinics were offered at 13 community locations across Renfrew County and District.

 

Parents who visited a Child Health Clinic with their child discussed questions and concerns regarding child growth and development, breastfeeding, immunization and dental health with public health staff on a one-to-one basis. Infant weighing, immunizations, dental screening and educational sessions on child health and parenting issues were also available. Speech and language assessments were conducted by staff of the Community Care Access Centre at some locations. Infant hearing screening was available at some sites courtesy of the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre. To raise awareness about the need for booster seats, a monthly draw was held for a free booster seat.

 

Seventy-six Child Health Clinics were held in 2004. They were attended by over 1100 parents and children, who accessed over 1,700 services at the Clinics. Attendance increased compared to 2003 at most locations. About 50% of attendees were there for the first time, confirming that we have been attracting new families. The feedback we have received from participants and community partners has been positive and encouraging!