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This report is the final in a series
of three annual evaluations of the Health Start Pilot Program. We found the Health Start
Pilot Program appears to have achieved its primary statutory goals of reducing low birth
weight babies and improving prenatal care. Program participants have high rates of
immunizations and are knowledgeable about good nutrition and breast-feeding. Although the
Program has met its goals, it shows a long-term net cost of $1,415,334 over the first two
years. Several actions could improve the Program’s cost-effectiveness. For example,
limiting the family follow-up period to two years rather than the current four and
allowing contractors to use some group classes to supplement service provided by home
visits could improve program efficiency. Additionally, appropriate implementation of a
screening instrument could result in the Program targeting its services to women most in
need of the Program.
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