Help Me Grow DC (HMG DC) is an information and referral helpline for pregnant people, dads and caregivers of children ages 0-5 in the District. They help by supporting District families with navigating and accessing health services and resources to enhance early childhood development outcomes. Families are connected to community-based programs who provide guidance in the areas of pregnancy to support healthy birth outcomes, postpartum, developmental, behavioral or learning supports, at no cost.
This program provides:
- Bi-Lingual Care Coordination Services
- Infant Safe Sleep Training for Families with cribette Distribution
- Enrollment support with WIC, SNAP, TANF and Medicaid benefits
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Screening to support infant/child growth and development
- Home Visiting Parent Support Programs
- Identification of Behavioral Health Support Services
- Fatherhood Support Programs
- Health Education, resources and materials
- Referrals for basic needs such as food, clothing and infant supplies
- Enrollment in community programs that support wrap around health services and resources
- Networking opportunities for families, service providers and community partners
HMG DC is an effective system because its centralized access point uses an integrated district-wide system to address family needs and connect them to service platforms such as hospitals, pediatric primary-care practices, early intervention care, health education professionals, and community organizations to achieve optimal levels of health.
The System
Centralized Access Point
he call center serves as the "go-to" place for expectant families, moms, dads, family members, community organizations and providers seeking information on health education, services and resources.
Family and Community Outreach
Family and Community Outreach is key to promoting the use of HMG DC and providing networking opportunities among families and community-based service providers.
Child Health Provider Outreach
The HMG DC system supports community-based pediatricians by enhancing their effective developmental promotion and early detection activities for all children and families. Child health care providers are uniquely positioned to identify developmentally vulnerable children as they have universal access to young children that requires ongoing monitoring of children’s developmental status.
Data Collection and Analysis
Data collection and analysis ensure ongoing capacity for continuous system improvement and identify needs and barriers to connecting families to resources.
How WE Help
HMG DC recognize that the health and development of children starts during pregnancy. Additionally, early detection and intervention are critical for optimal outcomes for children, but too often children miss this opportunity. HMG DC provides a free, confidential, centralized telephone access point that links every family in DC to a care coordinator that will answer questions and concerns about their pregnancy or child’s development, connect them with services in their community, and follow-up to ensure a connection is made.
If you are concerned about a child’s development or are an expecting mother, please contact 1-800-666-2229 or visit Help Me Grow DC to speak with a member of the Help Me Grow DC Care Coordination Team. You can also email Help Me Grow DC for more information at [email protected].
Is Your Child’s Growth on Track?
Ready for a snapshot of your child’s growth and development? HMG DC offers the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to families in the District. Complete it online when it is convenient for you. One of our care coordinators will call you to talk about the results and assist you with gaining access additional support for your child.
