FAQs • Shelby County Health Dept., TN • CivicEngage

What is the HUGS program?: HUGS is a home-based care coordination program developed by the Tennessee Department of Health. The home visiting staff follows prenatal/postpartum women, children through 5 years of age and the parent/guardian of the client referred to the program.

For those that have experienced the loss of a child less than 2 years old (due to SIDS, prematurity, Etc.) grief counseling is provided. Families must live in Memphis and Shelby County.

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Maternal & Child Health (MCH)

1. How does a family receive information for an infant safe sleep environment?: The baby must reside in Shelby County and be 5 months or younger. Infant Safe Sleep Resources are available at no cost. For additional information, please contact 901-222-9132.

2. Where can I get breastfeeding support?: Breastfeeding support classes are offered at the SCHD Clinic Locations (include schedule) and information is available on the Tennessee Breastfeeding Hot line.

The Tennessee Breastfeeding Hot line, staffed by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors, is available to nursing mothers and partners, their families, expectant mothers, and health care providers seeking breastfeeding support and information. For more information please visit the Tennessee Breastfeeding Hot line website.

3. What is the HUGS program?: HUGS is a home-based care coordination program developed by the Tennessee Department of Health. The home visiting staff follows prenatal/postpartum women, children through 5 years of age and the parent/guardian of the client referred to the program.

For those that have experienced the loss of a child less than 2 years old (due to SIDS, prematurity, Etc.) grief counseling is provided. Families must live in Memphis and Shelby County.

5. Who provides the HUGS services?: A health care professional is assigned to each family.

6. Where is lead most commonly found?: House Paint is the main source of lead that affects young children. Lead can seep into the water if your home has lead pipes or copper pipes with lead solder. Lead can be in your soil or in lead contaminated dust, especially in old houses and buildings. For additional information please call 901-222-9492.

7. My child was born with special health care needs. Where can I find assistance and information?: The Children’s Special Services (CSS) program assures appropriate, timely, comprehensive, quality services to children from birth to 21 who have or are at-risk for special needs.

The program promotes the well-being of children in a manner that is family-centered, culturally sensitive and community based through service coordinators acting as liaisons for children, families and providers by facilitating, collaborating and forming partnerships that are flexible and creative in meeting the unique needs of each child.

For additional information please call 901-222-9960.

8. Why do I need to have my child tested for Newborn Screening?: All babies born in the State of Tennessee are tested for metabolic and genetic disorder- this procedure is mandated by law. Please contact 901-222-9510 for additional information.

9. What is FIMR?: The Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Program provides support to parents and families whose lives have been affected by the tragic death of a child or loss of a pregnancy. For additional information, please contact 901-222-9132.