Better Birth Outcomes (BBO)

The Better Birth Outcomes program (BBO) is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of expecting mothers and their babies through prenatal supportive services. Focused on caring for those mothers most at risk for poor pregnancy outcomes, BBO aims to: 

  • Reduce the incidence of infant disease and death resulting from lack of adequate prenatal care;
  • Improve pregnancy outcomes; 
  • Decrease the incidence of premature birth and low birth weight.

BBO offers support for expecting mothers by providing:

  • Individualized care with a knowledgeable RN/Case Manager
  • Education on fostering a healthy, full-term pregnancy 
  • Breastfeeding education & support 
  • Coordinated care with the mother’s healthcare provider
  • Assistance with selected transportation expenses 
  • Referrals to additional supportive services & other identified needs 

BBO offers support for growing babies by providing:

  • Nutrition education & support via the WIC program 
  • Lead testing
  • Immunizations
  • Assessment for developmental & emotional delays with referrals for early intervention services as needed
  • Ongoing breastfeeding support & referral to Breastfeeding Peer Counselor as needed 
  • Guidance & support navigating Illinois’ All Kids health insurance 

Eligibility 

Participants eligible for BBO include pregnant women with the following risk factors:

  • Medical condition (examples: diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, lupus, etc.)
  • Smoking, Vaping, drug or alcohol use
  • Previous miscarriage or premature birth
  • Third child in 3½years
  • Pregnant with twins or triplets
  • History of HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases
  • Over 40 years or under 15 years of age
  • Previously/currently abused by anyone
  • Homeless
  • Previously incarcerated
  • Previous/current involvement with DCFS

 

APORS (Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Reporting System)

Having a baby can make parents feel happy and anxious at the same time. You are not alone. Parents often worry about what to do if their baby has special needs. We understand your fears and would like to tell you about a special program, the Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Reporting System (APORS) that can help you cope.

The Fayette County Health Department offers a home visit from a Registered Nurse. During the home visit, the nurse examines your baby and provides information on doctors or clinics, if needed. If your baby needs specialized care, the nurse can also help with this. Information will be provided on infant and child care and any other concerns that parents may have. These services, provided by your local community nurse, are at no charge to your family. If you have questions or concerns about your baby please call. Someone will help you find the answers to your questions.

The community health agency in Fayette County is:

Fayette County Health Department
416 W. Edwards
Vandalia, IL 62471
618.283.1044
618.283.5037

If you have any questions or concerns about your baby, please call the Fayette County Health Department. You do not have to wait for a nurse to call you. Someone will help you find answers to your questions.

Best wishes to you and your baby. We are happy to be a member of your baby's health care team.

Healthworks

Healthworks of Illinois is a health care system, which provides health care services for children in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. It is a combined effort of the Departments of Human Services and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The system of health care for children in the custody of DCFS is called Healthworks of Illinois statewide. Regionally, the HEALTHWORKS of ILLINOIS EFFINGHAM serves the following counties of Illinois: Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne County. The program is being enforced by the Federal Court System.

Healthworks has a group of doctors who will treat the children in the custody of DCFS. These services include Initial Health Screenings, Comprehensive Health Evaluations, and Ongoing Health Care.

Every foster child in the program will have a Health Passport. The Child's Health Passport contains his or her medical history and should be taken to every doctor's visit to be updated. The Health Passport is to stay with the child. If a foster child should leave the foster home, please make sure his or her Health Passport goes with the child to the new foster home.

Fayette County Health Department Healthworks Program provides services for Fayette County children from birth through age 5 in the custody of DCFS.

Contact Fayette County Health Department to learn more.