Real life moves fast and does the most. It can sometimes make it harder to do your very best for your family.
Southeastern North Carolina Healthy Start (SENCHS) provides extra support so families in Cumberland and Hoke counties don’t have to navigate pregnancy and early parenthood alone.
Healthy Start connects you with guidance, resources and practical help that make planning and caring for your baby a little easier. This support is available before and during pregnancy as well as after birth through your baby’s first 18 months.
Support When It Matters Most
Healthy Start doesn’t replace your doctor. It provides extra support that works alongside medical care. Families who participate in the program may receive:
- A care coordinator to help schedule appointments and connect families with services
- Home visits and one-on-one support tailored to your family’s needs
- Education in infant care, breastfeeding, safe sleep and parenting
- Help accessing community resources like transportation, housing, food or child care
- Support for fathers and partners
- Continued support between pregnancies
What Can You Expect
When families join Healthy Start, they work with a team that listens, understands their needs and connects them with the right support.
Your care coordinator may help with:
- Finding and scheduling doctor visits
- Transportation to important appointments
- Breastfeeding and nutrition support
- Parenting education and newborn care guidance
- Mental health support and referrals
- Connecting with community resources such as housing, food or child care
- Support for fathers and partners
Every family’s situation is different. Healthy Start works with you to provide support that fits your needs.
Support Before, During and After Pregnancy
Healthy Start provides support across the moments that matter most.
Before Pregnancy
Families can receive information and support that helps prepare for a healthy pregnancy and build a strong foundation for the future.
During Pregnancy
Healthy Start helps connect families to services, education and resources that support both parent and baby.
After Birth
Support continues through your baby’s first 18 months, helping families navigate the early stages of parenting and infant development.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you live in Cumberland or Hoke County and are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or caring for a baby under 18 months old, Healthy Start may be able to help.
Our team works with you to understand your needs and connect you with the right resources and support for your family. Participation in the program is free and voluntary.
Working Together to Support Families
Healthy Start partners with health care providers, community organizations and local leaders across Cumberland and Hoke counties. These partnerships help families connect with the services and support they need to care for themselves and their babies.
If your organization works with families in the region, we welcome opportunities to collaborate and strengthen the network of care that surrounds parents and children.
Every Baby Deserves a Healthy Start
Real life doesn’t always stop for the things we hoped. But you can get the support your family deserves for the healthiest start possible.
If you live in Cumberland or Hoke County and are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or caring for a baby under 18 months old, we’re here to help.
How to Enroll
Getting started with Healthy Start is simple. Families can learn more or request information by contacting SENCHS directly. A team member will talk with you about your needs and help determine the best way to support your family.
Contact Information
Cumberland County Department of Public Health
Phone: 919-707-5700