Families across Southern Illinois face many questions during pregnancy, early parenthood, and the early childhood years. In a recent WXAN radio interview, Lanetta Davis, Program Manager for Shawnee Health’s Healthy Families Program, shared how the program helps parents navigate those challenges through education, support, and connections to community resources.
During the conversation, Davis discussed several services available through Healthy Families, including developmental screenings, school readiness support, maternal mental health resources, and access to doula services. The program focuses on helping first- and second-time parents build confidence while ensuring children have the support they need to reach important developmental milestones.
One topic highlighted during the interview was postpartum depression. Davis emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms early and connecting families with appropriate support services. By reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about maternal mental health, programs like Healthy Families can help parents access resources when they need them most.
The interview also explored the program’s use of Ages and Stages developmental screenings, a tool that helps families monitor their child’s growth and identify potential concerns early. Early identification can help connect children with services and interventions that support long-term success.
Looking beyond infancy, Davis discussed how Healthy Families works with parents to promote school readiness through activities that encourage early literacy, social-emotional development, and healthy routines. These efforts help children enter school prepared to learn, grow, and succeed.
“Every family deserves access to support, education, and resources that help them thrive,” Davis shared throughout the discussion, reinforcing the program’s commitment to strengthening families throughout Southern Illinois.
Shawnee Health is proud to offer programs that support parents and children during some of life’s most important milestones. To learn more about the Healthy Families Program and available services, visit the Healthy Families page on our website or contact Shawnee Health directly.
Listen to the full WXAN interview to hear more from Lanetta Davis about the impact of Healthy Families and the resources available to local families.