Healthy Start Kitsap

Healthy Start Kitsap (HSK) provides enabling assistance in resources, education and training which produce enduring improvements in the health and well being of first-time, low-income mothers and their infants. HSK, was formed in 2003, incorporated by Washington in 2004 and received 501 (c)(3) status in 2006. A Leadership Board was established in 2008. Became a United Way Partner Agency in 2009. In 2010, HSK partnered with the Health District to provide nurse home visitation services. Longitudinal research studies of Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) families reveal; mothers who show positive behaviors for her health and health of her infant; mothers who become sensitive and competent parents; mothers who show initiative in gaining supportive services for herself and her child; and mothers who increase planning and goal setting for education and employment. NFP Nurses improve the lives of society's most vulnerable members by inspiring young mothers to become self-sufficient! Healthy Start Kitsap, in partnership with Kitsap County Health District (KCHD), has implemented a Nurse Home Visit Project. This is a demonstration project that is the first step in transition to the Nurse-Family Partnership. The project provides home visits to first-time, low-income women who were on the waiting list for the Health District’s First Steps program. Home visits from a KCHD Public Health Nurse begin early in pregnancy and continue through the infant’s first birthday.