HANDS Program: Free, Local Support for New Parents

Every Parent Needs a Second Pair of Hands: 

Text us to sign up for our free HANDS program! 

704-962-7799


What is the HANDS program?

For ALL Parents

Weekly Contact

Prenatal Support

0-2 Year Support

Research Based

HANDS = Health Access Nurturing Development Services. Any parent in Trigg, Caldwell, Lyon, Livingston, or Crittenden is eligible to enroll, at no cost to the family, from pregnancy up to 90 days after birth. We’ll meet with you weekly to help you reach the goals you’ve set for yourself and baby. Every child is unique and reaches different stages at different points. Our HANDS ongoing home visitors will be able to discuss any questions or concerns about pregnancy and baby’s first years.


Who should join HANDS?

Every new parent in the Pennyrile region. We work with adoptive moms, foster dads, new moms, new dads, teen moms, teen dads, experienced moms, experienced dads and more. No matter your background, we are here to offer a second pair of hands as you learn the best way to connect with and help your baby grow. Every parent gets access to the same, research-based support. We’re not offering our opinions to you, we have years of research to help us guide you into becoming the best parent to support your baby. 

Kim Donaldson, RN, Hands Manager, “Every parent needs this program. Even as a nurse who has raised three kids, I was surprised at what I didn’t know that research has told us is best for both mom and baby.” 

Why participate in HANDS?

Fewer premature infants.

Fewer low birth weight babies.

Fewer developmental delays. 



From the positive pregnancy test, so many changes are happening every week with you and your baby. It can quickly be overwhelming, but this is why our HANDS program offers you weekly free support from pregnancy through two-years postpartum. You, as the parent, are the most important person in your baby’s life. That’s right, YOU. What a privilege, but also sounds a little scary, right? Working with us, you’ll have someone to share those questions and worries with, right in your own home. 

  • Learn tips for staying healthy in pregnancy. Those first few months can be especially rough. You’ll have a weekly support system to walk you through the best way to stay healthy in pregnancy and also the labor process. We’re here to help decrease any anxiety you might have around the unknown. 

  • Learn how to bond with baby so they know mom/dad’s voice even before they’re born. 

  • Build security/trust with baby. You’ll learn how to pick up on cues so you are there for baby when they’re happy, sad, sick or overwhelmed. There’s a better way than letting them cry it out. 

  • Practice empathic parenting. Our goal is to grow better adjusted children who are able to self-regulate from an early age. Tantrums in the grocery don’t have to become your norm. 

  • Access breastfeeding support outside of a doctor’s office. Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both you and baby so if this is something you want to do, then we are here to support you in the joys and challenges of choosing to breastfeed. 

  • Decrease stress, learn new coping and discipline techniques. These are some of the top benefits our participants talk about.

Weekly support and fun incentives for you and baby:

  • Free Diaper Bag and goodies at sign up!

  • $10 gift card at first visit 

  • Free car seat for those who take the pledge to “Take It Outside” and not smoke around baby. 

  • Monthly gifts for one year of “Take It Outside” participants 

Ready to schedule your first meeting with us? 

Join the HANDS Program:
Call or Text: 704-962-7799

Not sure this program is for you?

We want you to bond with the baby right now and we help you do that through education, encouragement and support. You may already have a support system, or maybe you don’t, but we are a safe person you can talk to that’s outside of your normal circle. What we’re telling you is all based on years of research. You are learning right alongside other Kentucky moms and dads. We are here to see you succeed and cheer you on in your role as parent. 

More details of the state program can be found on the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services website.

Other services we offer new parents:

  • See if you qualify for WIC, a program that offers nutritional foods and support for lower-income families. 

  • Immunizations at the right time from infancy through adulthood. 

  • Well checkups for kids as you prepare them for Preschool and Kindergarten. 

  • Counseling from a certified dietitian who helps pregnant, nursing mothers and families build healthy dietary plans. (Ask your doctor for a referral.)

Want to learn more about any of these services? Contact your local health department today!

Join the HANDS Program:
Call or Text: 704-962-7799



Girl in a jacket
 
Pennyrile District Health Department is dedicated to
protecting the environment, providing preventive health
services, and educating our communities to promote
healthier lifestyles.
 
Services of the Pennyrile District Health Department are
available to all qualified persons regardless of race, creed,
color, sex, country of origin, or disability.
   

Contact Us

Pennyrile District Health Department - (270) 388-9747
Caldwell County Health Department - (270) 365-6571
Crittenden County Health Department - (270) 965-5215
Livingston County Health Department - (270) 928-2193
Lyon County Health Department - (270) 388-9763
Trigg County Health Department - (270) 522-8121

Developed By | Innovations Branding House