Women's Health Services

The Washington County Health Department provides vital services that promote women's health for those who may not otherwise be able to afford them, including services related to family planning and prenatal care. 

Best Start

Staff, including local breastfeeding coordinators, provide infant feeding, counseling, and breastfeeding education and support to WIC moms and families. This program assists new moms with any infant feeding or breastfeeding problems. Breastfeeding provides superior nutrition, protection against infection, obesity prevention, and security. The program works with prenatal education classes by providing educational resources for patient care. The support group meets once a month providing education, counseling, and healthy recipes.

Tennessee Breast & Cervical Program

The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program provides clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests for eligible Tennessee women free of charge. General eligibility requirements are women who meet income guidelines and have either no health insurance, or insurance that does not pay for these screenings. Participating state wide providers, including Washington County Health Department, can provide screening services and referrals if additional testing is needed. An appointment is required to receive this service.

Family Planning

Family Planning provides consultation and medical assistance for individuals desiring to postpone or prevent pregnancy. The following are taken for each female patient on an annual basis:

  • Blood Pressure Check
  • Breast Examination
  • Chlamydia Testing
  • General Health History
  • Gonorrhea Culture
  • Hemoglobin Test
  • Pap Test
  • Pelvic Examination
  • Urine Test

Sterilization consultation and referrals are provided for both men and women. Condoms are available at the front desk upon request.

Pregnancy Test

The Health Department provides a urine test for determining pregnancy. Any female who is two weeks past a missed menstrual period, and suspects she is pregnant, may call for an appointment. The morning's first urine specimen can be given at the health department or can be taken at home as long as it is kept refrigerated and brought to the clinic by the individual who is receiving the test.

Prenatal Program

The Health Department is a state agency chosen to grant temporary TennCare privileges for 45 days to pregnant women in order to have early access to outpatient prenatal care. Those eligible are pregnant women whose income and family size are within the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, the Health Department refers clients to the appropriate agencies.

Prenatal Education Classes

Prenatal classes are provided to pregnant women enrolled in the WIC or HUG program. The class is also offered to anyone who wishes to gain further knowledge about the entire prenatal experience. The instructors include Health Educators, Nurses, Nutritionists, and other guest speakers. The Prenatal class consists of 10 sessions on a variety of topics such as: 

  • Infant Care
  • Labor and Delivery Breathing Techniques
  • Parenting
  • Prenatal and Postpartum Care
  • Proper Nutrition

Classes are offered in both English and Spanish.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

WIC is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to five years of age, who meet income guidelines and have documented medical or nutritional needs are eligible. Individuals who receive food stamps, AFDC, or who are TennCare insured are income eligible for WIC. When a person is enrolled in the WIC program, they receive vouchers to use for buying certain foods including: 

  • Cheese
  • Dried Beans
  • Eggs
  • Fortified Cereals
  • Juices
  • Milk
  • Peanut Butter