September 14, 2020 Hello Baby: A New Website for Parents in Allegheny County For many new parents, particularly those with limited resources and support, welcoming a child to the family can be both a joy and a challenge. That’s why the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) created Hello Baby, a voluntary program for any Allegheny County family with a newborn or young child. What is Hello Baby? Hello Baby is a voluntary program for parents of new babies that is designed to strengthen families; improve children’s outcomes; and maximize child and family well-being, safety, and security. Every new mother in Allegheny County will receive information about Hello Baby and may receive an initial visit from a nurse to talk about the program in more detail. Information will be available at primary birthing hospitals, obstetrician/gynecologist offices, and pediatric practices, and will be mailed to new mothers as a postcard. Hello Baby will reach families with moderate to high levels of need through the existing network of Family Centers. However, any family can request services from a Family Center through the Hello Baby website, 2.1.1 warmline, or texting service. All services are voluntary. Featured Information The Hello Baby website was created for parents to quickly and easily find local resources and information on the following topics: Health and Safety (immunizations, safe sleep, car safety, etc.); Child Care and Development (home visiting, head start, emergency child care, etc.); Family Supports (Family Centers, programs for dads, immigrant services, etc.); and Essentials (food and formula, baby items, housing supports, etc.). To learn more and view the full range of services, visit the Hello Baby website. More Information Hello Baby is a collaborative effort among family-focused organizations in Allegheny County including Allegheny County DHS, Health Department, Healthy Start, Family Centers, NurturePA, and the United Way of Southwestern PA. For more information, visit the DHS website or view answers to frequently asked questions.
May 9, 2019 Resources for Families in the Wake of Tragedy In response to the violent events happening in communities throughout the United States of America, Trying Together hopes to support young children, their families, and the caregivers who interact with them by recognizing available community-based and online resources. Trying Together extends our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those lost and to those injured or traumatized by such horrific events. Thank you to all of the public health and safety professionals who respond and provide service to affected communities across America, and thank you to the organizations and individuals that extend your hands and services in support. Mental Health Services and Supports resolve Crisis Services A 24-hour, 365-day crisis service, free to all residents of Allegheny County, that provides crisis counseling and support, referrals, and intervention services for adults, teens, and their loved ones: 1-888-796-8226 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline A network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-273-8255 For Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889 En Espanol: 1-888-628-9454 Be Well Pittsburgh Identifies free or low-cost mental health services in Pittsburgh, including hotlines, warm lines, counseling, support groups, and more. Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Counseling & Other Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Low Cost/Sliding Scale Mental Health Treatment Services Locator Highmark Caring Place Peer Support Group for children, adolescents, and families who have lost a loved one The Compassionate Friends: Pittsburgh Chapter Support Group for those who have lost children, grandchildren, or siblings UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Supportive Care Department Bereaved Parent Support Group Articles and Resources Israel Trauma Coalition Practical Advice for Parents: How to Help Your Child Following a Trauma American Counseling Association Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting Fred Rogers Productions Thoughts from Fred Rogers: Tragic Events Anti-Defamation League Gun Violence and Mass Shootings Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (In English and En Espanol) Fran Sherman in USA Today How to talk to your kids about school shootings Dr. Debi Gilboa in NEXT Pittsburgh How to talk to your kids about the mass shooting in Pittsburgh PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Helping Children and Families Cope After a Traumatic Event Helping Children After a Traumatic Experience A Caregiver Guide Coping with Grief After Community Violence Helping Children Cope With Trauma At School Talking to Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism The Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting Tips for Parents on Media Coverage Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal Guiding Adults in Talking to Children About Death and Attending Services Child Trends Resources to help children in the wake of a school shooting The National Child Traumatic Stress Network How to talk to children about hate crimes and antisemitism Additional Lists Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s list of information and resources
