Best Start Health Coalition

The Best Start Health Coalition provides programs and services to support vulnerable women, children, and families. We aim to eliminate barriers to participation by offering free transportation, child-care, and free-of-charge programs. Our Healthy Start program is for expectant women aged 22 and over, running 2 hours each week year-round. Participants can attend until their babies are three months old and gain skills, resources, and confidence to improve their health during pregnancy and make choices that benefit their child's development. Our Teen Prenatal Supper Clubs are for expectant teens, running 2 hours each week year-round. Participants can attend until their babies are three months old and learn how to prepare nutritious meals. Babies born to teenage mothers are at higher risk for health problems, and our programs aim to address these risks. We offer counseling, referrals, and support from Public Health Nurses, Social Workers, and a registered Dietitian. We also provide peer support and a social network for expectant women to meet and support each other. Our educational curriculum covers various topics related to prenatal and early childhood development. The Best Start Health Coalition in Peel was established in 1991 to support childbearing women and young children and reduce the number of low birth weight and premature babies. We have evolved into an organization with seven Healthy Start program sites and three Teen Prenatal Supper Clubs, staffed by healthcare professionals and social workers. In 2010, we celebrated our 19th year of providing prenatal services in the Region of Peel.