Healthy Start empowers teen parents through real-life experiences 07.09.25
July 9, 2025
Healthy Start empowers teen parents through real-life experiences
MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department’s Healthy Start program aims to reduce health disparities and promote healthy development for children. Through collaboration with community-based organizations and dedicated health professionals, the program fosters a supportive environment that empowers families to thrive.
A special meeting titled “Unfolding the Future: A Journey Through Time” is scheduled for July 16 at Goodwill Gulf Coast (2440 Gordon Smith Drive in Mobile) from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
“This month’s group connection meeting is set to help teen parents gain valuable insights into adulthood while experiencing real-life situations that impact their health and well-being,” said Danielle Simpson, who oversees the program. “This initiative aims to provide both parents and their children with the tools they need for a successful future.”
The program will engage children in activities that promote motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. Parents will have the opportunity to lead these activities while observing their children’s interactions with peers in a supportive social environment.
Key topics will include the social determinants of health, which encompass factors such as socioeconomic status, education, living conditions, employment, social support, and access to healthcare. Understanding these factors can help families navigate challenges related to economic stability, housing, educational opportunities, food access, and community engagement.
The engagement plan begins with a warm welcome from Healthy Start staff, followed by an informational session using parent educator resources and handouts. Participants will explore the online game “Spent,” an interactive tool that helps them consider work skills and the everyday challenges of adult life. Workstations will be set up in advance, allowing families to complete this activity together or individually.
Following the activities, an open discussion will provide participants with the chance to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. The aim is to help them to envision where they see themselves in the next five years. For more information about the Healthy Start program which serves pregnant and parenting teens ages 10-24, please contact MCHD at healthystart@mchd.org or 251-433-8715. Please visit https://redcap.mchd.org/surveys/?s=9H7WR4NX98MAP7F7&dag=VHeY to make a referral.
Another new asset is the CredibleMind website, which is available to Alabama residents at no charge. It provides a variety of topics, articles, videos, and assessments on social media, child development, and anxiety. Please visit https://alabama.crediblemind.com for more information.