The Delaware County Health Department supports families before, during, and after pregnancy. We help keep mothers, babies, and families healthy by connecting them to free or low-cost services, offering health education, and monitoring community health. Our goal is to support the well-being of all Delco residents.
Have questions? Wondering if you or your family may qualify for additional programs or resources? The Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line is available to help.
PHONE: (484) 276-2100 (Available 24/7)
EMAIL: DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us
GROWING HEALTHY BABIES: Pregnancy and New Arrivals
Childbirth and Newborn Care Education
Childbirth education helps families get clear, up-to-date information about giving birth so they can make informed choices about their care. Free childbirth education classes are provided by Maternity Care Coalition, Pettaway Pursuit Foundation, and The Foundation for Delaware County Family Village.
The Coco Life free Delco Moms program offers additional support, including virtual prenatal and postpartum doula groups, on-demand text-based doula support, one-on-one postpartum consultations, connections to social-emotional resources, and postpartum mental health screenings.
There’s a lot to learn about caring for a baby. Local newborn care classes are provided by Maternity Care Coalition, and Pettaway Pursuit Foundation
Free Supplies for Your Baby
FREE diapers, baby essentials, and other supplies may be available at community events or through programs offered by organizations such as Delco Helping Hands, Maternity Care Coalition, Pettaway Pursuit Foundation, CocoLife Foundation, Family Village, and others. For information about special events and locations where free baby supplies may be available, please contact the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100.
Infant immunization
Infants and young children are often at higher risk of serious problems if they get a vaccine-preventable disease. Make sure they get all their immunizations on time, every time. Learn more about immunizations available at the Delaware County Health Department.
Mental Health for New Mothers
Big changes and stress during pregnancy can lead to anxiety and depression, which may affect both the mother and the baby. Without treatment, these issues can increase the risk of low birth weight, early delivery, and difficulty bonding. Learn more about mental health during pregnancy.
About 1 in 7 women in the U.S. experience postpartum depression—a treatable condition that causes sadness, worry, and extreme fatigue after birth. It usually starts 1–3 weeks after delivery but can begin anytime in the first year. Learn more about postpartum depression.
Related services in Delaware County:
- CareConnect WarmLine provides reproductive psychiatry (484) 278-1679
- Coco Life free Delco Moms program includes postpartum mental health screenings
- Maternity Care Coalition Rapid Response program
Pregnancy Testing
DCHD provides pregnancy testing at our Yeadon and Chester Wellness Centers. Learn more.
Safe Sleep
Sleep-related deaths are one of the top causes of deaths for newborns until 1 year of age. This is called sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (SUIDs), formerly called SIDs. Learn safe sleep strategies to prevent sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (SUIDs).
Your family may be eligible for a free crib through the Cribs for Kids programs of the Foundation for Delaware County or Maternity Care Coalition.
Substance Use and Pregnancy
Learn about substance use (including opioids, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol) during pregnancy. Find related services in Delaware County:
- CareConnect WarmLine provides real time substance use navigation 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week. Call (484) 278-1679
- EMMA (Expectant Mothers Managing Addiction) at Recovery Works supports any mom or mom-to-be at any stage of recovery. Services include medical and therapeutic care, biweekly support groups, free childcare, and more. Call 484-466-4737 or email info@recoveryworkspa.org. Walk-in assessments are available Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm.
- PA Quitline (tobacco session)
- Parent Cafes - A safe space for parents impacted in some way by substance use disorder
- Penn Medicine’s Family Recovery Support Services provides support to families affected by substance use
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC provides healthy foods, personalized nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services and supports for you and your family — all at no cost to you! WIC does not require proof of citizenship. On-site resources are available in Eddystone, Springfield, and Upper Darby. Find out if you are eligible for WIC benefits here.
SUPPORTING HEALTHY FAMILIES
Car Safety for Children
Proper passenger safety restraints save lives. Pennsylvania law requires the following for child passengers:
- Birth-2 Years: Must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until the child outgrows the maximum weight and height limits designated by the car seat manufacturer.
- Birth-4 Years: Must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle.
- 4-8 Years: Must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat.
- 8 Years and Older: Must be in a seat belt.
Learn more about child passenger safety. Many local police departments have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who can help check or install your car seat for free. Appointments are usually required.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage for uninsured children and teens in Pennsylvania who aren’t eligible for Medicaid. No matter why your children don’t have insurance, CHIP may be able to help. Learn more. Learn more.
Early Intervention
Every child develops at their own pace. If you’re concerned about your child’s growth, you’re not alone. The DCIU Early Intervention program offers assessments and services for children ages 3 to pre-K who qualify.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
No amount of lead is safe. Even a small speck can raise a child’s blood-lead level. Lead poisoning affects all ages, but it is especially harmful to unborn babies and children under 6 years old. Is lead lurking in your home? Learn how to keep your family safe from lead poisoning.
Get your child tested for lead by asking their doctor or making an appointment at a pediatrician’s office. The following doctors' offices have finger prick blood tests available to test eligible children:
- Advocare Pediatrics (Eddystone)
- ChesPenn (Upper Darby and Chester)
- Health Annex (Woodland Village Plaza, SW Philadelphia)
Poison Control
Contact Poison Control right away if you suspect a poisoning. Help is available online here or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, expert, and confidential. Learn more about poison control resources. Learn more about poison control resources.
Programs for Dads
Positive father involvement benefits children in many ways. Kids often do better in school, develop stronger math and language skills, feel more emotionally secure, have higher self-esteem, show fewer behavior problems, and get along better with others. Delco offers several programs specifically for dads, including:
- Foundation for Delaware County’s Fatherhood Program
- Daddy’s University’s Doulas for Dad’s
Violence Prevention and Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, the Delaware County Domestic Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at (610) 565-4590. Learn more about the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County.
Experiencing or witnessing violence is an adverse childhood event (ACE) linked to poor health outcomes. Learn about mental health support for children. To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania, call ChildLine at (800) 932-0313.
In an emergency, please call 911.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION FOR PROFESSIONALS
CareConnect Warmline
As part of Penn Medicine’s Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, this program offers reproductive psychiatric care and resources for people struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) or other mental health concerns. The Warmline also provides guidance to medical professionals and service providers. Call (484) 278-1679, 9am–9pm, seven days a week.
Community Planning for Health Assessment: CHA & CHIP
The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD), in-partnership with community organizations and government agencies, completed its first Community Health Assessment (CHA) in March 2024. Assessing community health is a key function of local health departments. Read the full CHA report.
The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) was developed to address the needs identified in the CHA. It outlines strategies and actions to improve health outcomes specific to Delaware County. Read the full CHIP report and learn how you can get involved.
Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR)
The 2016–2020 PPOR analysis provides data to guide policymakers in reducing disparities in infant mortality in Delaware County. It compares progress with earlier PPOR reports, highlights racial disparities, and identifies ways to improve maternal and infant health. The findings in Delaware County’s PPOR reflect trends seen across Pennsylvania and the U.S. Overview Full report Infographic
School Nurse Resources
Find resources here. For questions, concerns, or assistance contact the school nurse liaison at DCHDSchoolNurse@co.delaware.pa.us.
Have questions? Wondering if you or your family may qualify for additional programs or resources? The Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line is available to help. PHONE: (484) 276-2100 (Available 24/7) EMAIL: DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us
