(Dover, Ohio) – Citing challenges with personnel turnover and the ongoing demands of the Tuscarawas County Health Department’s COVID-19 response efforts, the Tuscarawas County Board of Health voted to transition the services of the Help Me Grow home visitation program to the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) at New Philadelphia.
The transfer of services will occur over the next 60 days. The Help Me Grow home visitation program is a voluntary family support program for pregnant women or new parents that promotes healthy growth and development for babies and young children. Highly trained home visitors use a non-judgmental and compassionate approach that empowers parents with skills, tools, and confidence to nurture the healthy growth of their children.
“Transitioning Help Me Grow services was a difficult decision to make, but unexpected staffing losses and the need to focus on our county’s response to COVID-19 necessitated this action,” explained Katie Seward, Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner. “We know this program makes a positive impact on the health and well-being of area families, and we are thankful that the ECOESC is willing to take on this beneficial program. We are committed to helping their staff with this transition, and we know they have the leadership experience and extensive community partnerships to allow this program to excel.”
“We look forward to coordinating the Help Me Grow home visitation program for Tuscarawas County, and we anticipate a seamless transition with no gaps in services for our families” shared Lori Robson, ECOESC Executive Director of Educational Services. “With the management and teaching experience of our staff, we are confident that we can support the growth of this program while meeting the needs of area families. Help Me Grow is an excellent complement to the services we already provide and allows us to foster the health and development of children from birth through their high school graduation.”
To learn more about the Help Me Grow home visitation program, contact the ECOESC at 330-308-9939. To refer a pregnant woman or new parent, visit https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/ochids/public/refer .
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