Women's Health

Women's Health services support the health of women during the span of their reproductive years, with sensitivity to the special needs of adolescents. Examples of services include well women visits for reproductive health, screening for sexually transmitted infections, birth control, education on a variety of health issues, and pregnancy testing. During pregnancy, our free Early Care program also focuses on newborn health and safety. Center for Clean Start is designed to meet the special needs of women with drug or alcohol use during and after pregnancy. We understand that males have an important role in health of women, so males can also receive services for screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and receive Early Care services. Women who are interested in mental health counseling can receive services listed under Mental Health Services on our website. For domestic abuse or suicidal thoughts after regular business hours, call 211 or 410-749-HELP and for concerns about Human Trafficking call 1-888-373-7888.

Early Care

Early Care is a home based community visiting service dedicated to promoting a healthy pregnancy and healthy birth outcome.  Eligibility includes pregnant women and infants less that one year old with high risk needs which may include concerns with domestic violence, housing or transportation; present or past alcohol or drug use in the family, a teenage or first time parent, or concerns with depression in the mother.  This is a free program designed to provide educational support and linkages to community resources based on the individual needs of the woman.

The goals of Early Care Program include:

• reduction of infant mortality and low birth weight babies
• elimination of the racial disparities in perinatal outcomes
• promotion of maternal-infant health and safety
• fostering infant growth and development

We serve all of Worcester County. Call 410-632-1100 for more information.

Breastfeeding and Safe Sleep for Infants
More than 3,600 babies in the U.S. die suddenly and unexpectedly every year from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation. Many of these deaths are preventable. Talking with families and caregivers about common myths and facts on creating a safe sleep environment and breastfeeding can help more babies sleep safely.

Pediatricians, family physicians, and other health care providers can use these documents during conversations with families to address myths and facts about safe infant sleep and breastfeeding. To download Safe Infant Sleep and Breastfeeding Myths and Facts visit www.nichq.org. 

 What is Safe Sleep?

Who can get Early Care service?

This service is available to pregnant women and infants younger than one year of age who are residents of Worcester County and who have high risk needs.

Where is this service provided?

Services are provided in the convenience of the client’s home or at any of the health department sites if requested.

How much does this service cost? 

This service is FREE.

SIDS Prevention:

Decrease your baby's chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Please always place your baby on his or her back, alone and in his/her crib for sleeping and napping. If you do not have an approved infant sleep surface for your baby, please call us. We have a limited supply of pack-n-plays available if you meet eligbility requirements. Call 410-629-0164 and ask to speak with the Early Care Program. 

Adolescent

Adolescents have special needs regarding pregnancy prevention, pregnancy support, and parenting support. County Health nurses assist teens, age 17 and under, in these areas.
Telephone: 410-632-1100

Additional Support and Information for Women

• March of Dimes
• Maryland Family Health Administration
• WomensHealth.gov
• Medline's Womens Health Issues 

Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health patients are eligible to receive education on all contraceptive methods, a physical examination, and the birth control method. Other services include screening, education, treatment, and/or referral for HIV, and STD evaluation for male and female patients. Pregnancy testing is also available.   Anyone of child-bearing age may receive confidential Family Planning services at the Health Department.
 

Services

• Colposcopy referrals for abnormal paps.
• Screening for sexually transmitted infections.
• Contraceptive information and services.
• Pregnancy testing and referral.
• Health promotion/disease prevention education and referrals as needed.
• Level 1 infertility services
• Emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex.
• Easy appointment scheduling - can typically schedule new appointments within a week.

Who can get this service?

• Services are available to both males and females. 
• These services are available to any woman of childbearing age in need of contraception.
• Due to Federal law, teens can receive confidential reproductive health services without parental permission.  We do encourage teens to involve their parent/guardian in all health care choices.

• Snow Hill Health Department
  6040 Public Landing Road
  Phone: 410-632-1100