Union County Healthy Start is a free and voluntary home visiting service for first time parents. Babies don't come with manuals, even though we wished they did, so that is the role that Healthy Start tries to fill. By meeting with new parents on a weekly/bi- weekly basis, we can share helpful parenting information. Parents who have enjoyed the benefits of Healthy Start tell us they love the program, and it made a significant difference in raising their child.

If you or someone you know is pregnant with their first child and you are interested in finding out more, give us a call. We would love to share information about our program.

• All medical services are provided free of charge.
  
• Onsite emergency and non-emergency forensic medical exams are available to all victims of suspected sexual or physical abuse referred to Mt. Emily Safe Center by law enforcement, DDS or their healthcare provider.
  
• The purpose of the forensic medical exam is to ensure the health and safety of the child, collect forensic evidence, including photodocumentation of abnormalities, and to treat injuries or infection resulting from the abuse.
  
• Mt. Emily Safe Center is staffed by an experienced Family Nurse Practitioner who is also certified as a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) specializing in sexual and physical abuse and forensic evidence collection and credentialed by the Oregon Attorney General's Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
  
• The NP/SANE works as part of a Multidisciplinary Assessment team that responds to allegations of child abuse
  
• Medical exams are done in a compassionate and time sensitive manner, with emphasis on a "Do No Harm" approach. The exam is not painful for the child.
  
  COUNSELING
  
  
• Provides short-term therapeutic intervention to child victims and their families.
  
• Provides a strength-based therapeutic foundation to enhance the potential for healing and to gain skills of empowerment.
  
• Provides educational and consultative services to schools, churches, and other groups working with children.
  
• Provides ongoing supportive contacts to parents and children and referral for additional services as needed.
  
• Provides prevention and outreach services.


FAMILY SERVICES


Connects families needing assistance to proper agencies.

Provides limited monetary assistance, when available, for various needs such as rent, utilities, food, heat, clothing, transportation, camperships, etc.

Provides new and used donated items to families in need