YouFirst is a FREE personalized health program through the City of Racine Public Health Department, with financial support from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, to reduce infant mortality and poor birth outcomes within the City of Racine, WI.
The program focuses on serving the diverse needs of Racine residents to eliminate the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, the rate of low-birth-weight infants, seeks to lessen chronic health conditions, promote pre-pregnancy planning and prenatal care. Ultimately, increasing maternal wellness, thus reducing the infant mortality rate, as well as maternal morbidity caused by chronic health conditions.
The YouFirst program is dedicated to fostering health and wellness among individuals not pregnant and not seeking pregnancy at this time, those who are planning a pregnancy, and those who are newly pregnant through the second trimester.
Participants must reside within the City of Racine AND meet two of the following criteria:
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Be less than 25 years of age.
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Have limited or no English proficiency.
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Have had a previous adverse pregnancy (including miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital abnormalities, cesarean/C-section birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and uterine abnormalities)
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Be a first time parent.
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Be less than 28 weeks gestation (first or second trimester).
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Be experiencing a socioeconomic disadvantage, such as
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Being a single parent.
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Having less than a 12 th grade education.
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Receiving income assistance through programs such as Medicaid, WIC, and/or Foodshare.
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Having difficulty living on your household income (proof not required).
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Being unhoused or residing in a temporary living situation such as a shelter.
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There are multiple ways you can schedule an appointment for YouFirst:
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Call 262-636-9431 and request to make an appointment.
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Visit the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic located in Racine City Hall at 730 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI 53403 in the Lower Level, Room 4.
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Expert medical guidance will be provided through an interdisciplinary team consisting of public health, health care, and other professionals who will monitor for chronic health conditions, provide nutrition and exercise education and counseling to promote healthy habits essential for well-being and lifelong wellness.
Infant mortality refers to the death of a baby before their first birthday. It can happen for many reasons, including health problems during pregnancy, birth complications, infections, or birth defects. The rate of infant mortality is often used to measure the overall health of a community. Reducing infant mortality involves addressing many factors within a society, including improving healthcare and the health of those becoming pregnant, access to prenatal care, and creating safer environments for babies to grow and develop.
Infant mortality in the City of Racine, Wisconsin is a significant public health concern, with the city experiencing some of the highest rates of infant death and poor birth outcomes in the state. Studies show that the infant mortality rate in Racine is higher than the state average, particularly among African American infants, who face even greater risks. Factors contributing to this high rate include limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic challenges, and disparities in prenatal care. Many mothers in Racine, especially those in low-income neighborhoods, do not receive adequate healthcare during pregnancy, which can lead to complications for both the mother and baby. Additionally, issues like smoking, nutrition, and other socioeconomic factors increase the likelihood of premature births and low birth weight, which are major contributors to infant mortality.
YouFirst program was designed to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the City of Racine by taking a comprehensive approach to reproductive health. Instead of focusing solely on expectant mothers, the program aims to improve the health of women who are trying to become pregnant, as well as those who are not currently seeking pregnancy or may have recently given birth. By addressing the health of women at various stages of reproductive life, YouFirst helps prevent unintended pregnancies, which is a key strategy for reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving birth outcomes.
Preconception health is about taking care of your health before conception, or before pregnancy. It aims to improve the well-being of individuals and future pregnancies by promoting individualized medical care, encouraging healthy habits, providing emotional and social support, and ensuring safe living and working environments.
Interconception is the period between pregnancies. Interconception begins at the end of one pregnancy and ends with the conception of the next. Interconception care addresses risk factors to promote healthy outcomes of later pregnancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
