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Family Health

Show All Answers

1. Do I have to get a pap smear before starting birth control?

No. We start women on birth control right away. We also evaluate the need for recommended testing and exams and will discuss this with you.

2. Can I make an appointment just to talk about different birth control options?

Yes! Birth control and women’s health is our specialty and we are happy to provide complete information about all types of birth control. You can choose to just discuss information, or you can start a method right away.

3. Do you only see women at your clinic?

We welcome people of all genders at all of our clinics.

4. What is WIC?

• WIC is a supplemental food assistance program sponsored by Jefferson County Public Health for eligible pregnant women and young children. WIC often involves office visits with a registered dietitian, a health educator or a nurse.
• Through WIC you can get food vouchers to boost your monthly food budget for your growing family and discuss nutrition as well as other health related topics for pregnancy, parenthood and child development.
• Learn more here.

5. How Do I Sign up for WIC?

Find out if you are eligible and how to apply, and make an appointment 

6. Do I qualify for WIC?

• Good news- WIC has openings  for eligible pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 5 years old. 
• Get nutritious foods, information about feeding children, breastfeeding education and support and referrals to important services. 
• Check to see if you meet income guidelines   
• Learn more about WIC.
• Contact our office to schedule an appointment! Call 360-385-9400.

7. What is Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)

Nurse-Family Partnership is free for women who are pregnant and have not parented before. When you enroll you will be connected to a registered nurse who will provide the support, advice, and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and be a great mom. Learn more here.

8. Where can I find support for pregnant and new moms?

Our public health staff has expertise in family and health issues. We are committed to supporting you in being the best parent that you can be so that all our Jefferson children get off to a good start, thriving in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.  We offer support and education to pregnant women and parents of young children who are income-eligible. 

Learn more here.

9. What do I bring to my WIC appointment?

• Yourself, your child/children, your insurance cards for all eligible family members (provider one cards) paystubs,  and state issued I.D.
•  Any questions or concerns you have regarding obtaining food for yourself, your family or regarding the WIC process.
•  Learn more here.

10. What kinds of foods are on WIC?

Food items include fresh fruit/veggies, whole grain items such as bread or brown rice, beans/lentils, peanut butter, cheese, milk, eggs and juice. Eligible items change from pregnancy to after baby is born and as baby grows.  See an overview of WIC foods.    Learn more about the Jefferson County Public Health sponsored WIC program here.

11. Do I need proof of citizenship to receive services?

• It depends on the service you are trying to get.
• You do not need proof of citizenship to receive services through WIC or NFP currently.

12. Can I get help with food for my children under 5 years old?

WIC (Women Infants & Children) is a supplemental food program for income eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, and children under age 5. WIC offers food vouchers, nutrition education, and health checkup screenings. Click here to learn more.

13. Can I get a home visiting nurse and how do I do that?

• Possibly. The Nurse Family Partnership program offers free home visiting for women becoming parents for their first time.
• If you are in your first trimester and have not parented children previously, you likely qualify for Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) home visiting with a nurse.
• To learn more and see if you qualify, please call the Health Department at 360-385-9400

14. Can I get help with breastfeeding?

YES! The Public Health Department offers a number of options to help breastfeeding families get support and find their success:

• The Breastfeeding tea held virtually (call for more information at 360-385-9400)
• Breastfeeding support and education 
• WIC for eligible women/families
• Maternity Support Services (MSS) for eligible women/families.
• If you are not sure if you qualify for either WIC or MSS please call our office to ask. 360-385-9400

15. I need help getting formula, how do I do that?

• If you are having trouble providing enough food for your family,including formula for infants, Women Infants Children (WIC) may be able to help.  WIC is a supplemental food program sponsored by Jefferson County Public Health for income eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, and children under age 5 that offers nutrition education, health checkup screenings, breastfeeding support and food vouchers, including formula in some situations.

16. What is Maternity Support Services (MSS)?

• MSS is a service provided to eligible women (pregnant at any stage of pregnancy or 60 days after).
• These services include office visits with a nurse to help navigate your pregnancy, and your journey becoming a parent of a new baby.

17. How can I get more fresh fruit and veggies on a limited budget?

Check out the links below to learn how you can access additional fresh fruit and veggies on a limited budget or alongside your WIC vouchers.

• WIC/Farmers Market
• Safeway Complete Eats 
• Jefferson County Farmer's Markets

18. What stores accept WIC?

• Look for the “We accept WIC” signs in store windows, ask a store clerk.
• Many stores accept WIC, locally these include the Port Townsend Co-op, Safeway, QFC (in both Port Townsend and Port Hadlock)

19. What about dads, grandparents or legal guardians and the WIC Program?

• Dads, grandparents or other legal guardians who have custody of children 0-5years old can participate in WIC.  
• Dads can be involved in NFP appointments along with mom and baby as long as mom agrees (mom and baby are the main clients and focus here but the whole family can benefit).
• Call us at 360-385-9400 to schedule
• Learn more about WIC

20. How can I get a breast pump?

• If you currently have health insurance your insurance provider may be able to provide you with a pump. Contact your insurance provider to learn more.

21. Can I get help signing up for health insurance

• Go here to begin your application process. Once you have started an application, if you are having difficulty completing it or have more detailed questions about the application you have started, call 360-385-2200 and press extension 2265.
• If you have applied for Apple Health Insurance and are needing assistance with reproductive health, Take Charge is a program that may be able to assist you. Call our office at 360-385-9400 to learn more.

22. I or my children are having dental problems, can we get help?

• Washington state health insurance (Apple Health) have dental benefits.
• The Jefferson County Public Health Office can provide you with a list of dental service providers in the area that either work with Medicaid or low income families. 
• The SmileMobile comes through Jefferson County about every 6 months. It also visits towns in the peninsula area that may be a reasonable distance for you to travel.  

23. I’ve got a child with special health care needs, how can I get support or services?

• Public Health Nurses provide free resources, referrals for care, service coordination and support for families of children with chronic health conditions or developmental delays, ages birth to 17.
• Contact our office at 360-385-9400 for more info or to make an appointment.

24. What is Mandatory Reporting?

• Generally, what is said in a private appointment is not shared outside of that appointment, it is confidential, unless you give us permission to share it.
• However as mandatory reporters we must contact someone to help, if you tell us:
  •  You are being abused (physically and/or sexually)
  •  You are being neglected
  • You are going to hurt yourself or someone else
  • You are under 14 and having sex with someone 17 years old or older
  • You are under 16 and having sex with someone 20 years old or older

25. What can I do if a friend is possibly suicidal?

We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.  Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit the National Suicide Lifeline website.