CHILDREN'S SERVICES
About WCHD
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This is the Maryland public health program for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN). It currently serves CSHCN whose family income is less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level. As a result of the expansion of health insurance coverage under the Medical Assistance Program (Maryland Children's Health Program - MCHP), many families historically served under CMS now have access to insurance coverage.
The program funds specialty care services upon referral from primary care providers. Covered services include inpatient and outpatient medical care, OT, PT, speech/language and hearing services, developmental and neurologic assessments. Local health departments who offer clinical services charge on a sliding fee scale with third party payment accepted. No patient is refused service for inability to pay.
This program provides funds to local health departments for care coordination services for children with special health care needs who are uninsured and not eligible for other public benefit programs. Care coordinators provide outreach to assure access to resource information and services.
Clinicians provide consultative services in Audiology, Cardiac, Downs, Genetics, and Orofacial clinics. The local primary care provider refers the family to the CMS clinic. Results of the visit are communicated back to the health care provider. There are also funds available for surgery, appliances and other needs if the family is financially eligible.
- Audiology Clinic: 240-313-3234
- Diagnostic hearing evaluations and related services provided by an Audiologist. Call for an appointment.
- Downs Clinic: 1-410-502-9492
- Scheduled by appointment from Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- Genetics Clinic: 240-313-3280
- Services provided by a Geneticist, six times each year.
- Orofacial Clinic: 240-313-3280
- Services provided by a team consisting of a Plastic Surgeon, a Speech Pathologist, an Audiologist, an Otolaryngologist, a Periodontist, an Orthodontist, and a Pediatric Dentist, four times each year.
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The Dental team helps children and their parents understand the need for proper oral health, teaching them to properly care for their own teeth. Dental prophylaxis and sealants are provided. Educational programs are provided in all Washington County elementary schools - Head Start through Grade 3. Toothbrushes are distributed in an effort to promote proper oral hygiene.
The Dental Clinic provides preventive dental care for children ages 5 - 20. It is held at the Health Department, 1302 Pennsylvania Avenue. Please call for an appointment.
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- Healthy Families is a home visiting program for residents of Washington County who are pregnant with or parents who are caring for their first child.
- The goal of the program is to support parents in their desire to create a safe, stimulating and healthy environment for their children.
- This free service includes:
- Links to community services
- Home visits
- Parent child activities
- Monthly parent and child group meetings
- Positive parenting strategies
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Additional information for parents of babies:
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Mission
The Mother and Child Home Visiting Program is committed to promoting positive health behaviors and lifestyle choices by providing education and support to pregnant women and children birth to age two through home visiting services.
The program includes:
- Home visiting by Community Health Nurses
- Referrals to appropriate community services
- Coordination of care with providers and other health care programs
- Assistance with navigating the Medical Assistance/Managed Care System
Vision
Healthy mothers
Babies born healthy
Children ready to learn
Healthy families with access to health care
Families safe in their homes and communities
Stable families moving toward economic self-sufficiency
To refer, please telephone 240-313-3229
Learn more about topics affecting pregnancy, birth, infants and children :
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This school screening program promotes early identification of hearing and vision problems in order to prevent or reduce the harmful medical, educational, social and emotional consequences of an undiagnosed disorder. Screening is provided in all public and private elementary and middle schools annually. Screening services are also offered to licensed nursery schools and day care centers.
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The Health Department provides immunizations to children 2 months-18 years of age on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, by appointment.
The Health Department participates in the Vaccine Free for Children Program so there is no cost for the individual vaccines given. However, there is a $10 administration fee that covers all vaccines the child receives during the visit. Medical Assistance is the only insurance that is accepted for this clinic.
To schedule an appointment please call 240-313-3210 Monday-Friday from 8 AM-5 PM.
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You must bring a copy of your child's immunization record that has all of the previous immunizations that your child has received.
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In this Program, a Registered Nurse provides Case Management to children who are under 6 years of age with a venous blood lead level of 10 ug/dl or greater. The nurse coordinates the care of children and follow-up testing with their physicians and provides education to parents about lead. The nurse also works closely with the Maryland Department of Environment and coordinates environmental assessments for children with blood lead levels of 15ug/dl or greater.
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Why is lead a concern?
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Lead exposure is one of the most preventable poisonings of childhood. Lead poisoning is usually a silent disease. Lead poisoning causes irreversible brain damage that can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems and at very high levels, seizures, coma and even death. A simple blood test can prevent a lifetime spoiled by the damage that lead poisoning can cause.
Additional information can be found at:
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New - Medical Assistance for Families
Beginning in July 2008, Medical Assistance will provide health insurance for families. Parents or other family members caring for children with incomes below about $20,000 annually, depending on family size, may apply for quality health services that cover doctors’ visits, hospital stays and offer lower co-pays for prescription drugs.
Click here to download an application and instructions for the Medical Assistance for Families program. For additional information regarding the Medical Assistance for Families program, visit the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) has been in effect since July 1, 1998. It is a health insurance program for children up to age 19 and pregnant women. This program gives free and low cost health care to children and pregnant women in families with low to average incomes.
Note: The Federal Deficit Reduction Act requires that all individuals declaring to be U.S. citizens provide documentation of their citizenship and identity at the time of initial application or annual eligibility review. What documentation is acceptable?
Covered services include in-patient hospital care, medical doctor visits, lab tests, dental care, eye care, medicines and immunizations. Income before taxes and other deductions is counted. Click below to display the yearly qualifying income levels for children.
Please telephone for application or assistance.
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Comprehensive school health service is provided in each of the public schools in Washington County. Registered nurses (RN), licensed practical nurses (LPN) and certified nurse assistants (CNA) work as a team. The nurse is responsible for health services in a cluster of schools and works closely with the health assistant in each school.
Services include: medication administration, first aid and emergency care, illness appraisal, home visiting, monitoring immunization compliance, nursing consultation, teaching, screening, communicable disease surveillance and team-oriented planning to meet the health needs of students with parents, students, school staff and physicians.
Visit our School Health Information section for additional information.
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Research has shown that the air in homes where there are regular smokers is harmful to children. Some effects of second hand smoke on infants and children include:
- Increase in colds, runny noses, sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, tonsillitis and ear infections
- Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Children born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy have an increased risk of low birth weight
What can you do?
- Provide a smoke free environment for children
- If you must smoke, do so outdoors or away from home
- Insist that visitors do not smoke around your children
- If you want to quit, ask for help. Call 240-420-1796 to sign up for the STOP Smoking For Life Classes at the Health Department, or get help on the Internet at the National Cancer Institute.
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- Babies should visit their doctor regularly through age two years.
- Children are seen frequently so that doctors can monitor growth and development. The doctor will measure your child's length, weight and head circumference and may also check vision and hearing.
- Often children will receive an immunization at a well baby visit.
- Most babies will be seen for well baby visits according to the following schedule: 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months.
- When you make a visit, it is best to make the next appointment before you leave the office.
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The mission of WIC is to provide preventive nutrition health services designed to ensure the healthy growth and development of young children. WIC provides specific supplemental foods, nutrition counseling and health care/social service referrals to income eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five who are at nutrition risk. The WIC team includes Registered Dieticians, Registered Nurses and Service Associates.
WIC Certification Clinics are held at the following sites:
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140 West Franklin Street
Suite 200
Hagerstown, MD 21740
66 West Church Street
Hancock, MD
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