YouFirst is a FREE health and wellness program for Racine residents.
We help women and families stay healthy before, during, and after pregnancy - with personalized support, health planning, and connections to local resources that fit your needs.
Our goal is simple: to help you feel your best, plan for the future, and have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
YouFirst is offered by the City of Racine Public Health Department with support from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The YouFirst program is dedicated to fostering health and wellness among individuals not pregnant and not seeking pregnancy at this time, those who are planning a pregnancy, and those who are newly pregnant through the second trimester.
Participants must reside within the City of Racine AND meet two of the following criteria:
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Be less than 25 years of age.
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Have limited or no English proficiency.
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Have had a previous adverse pregnancy (including miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital abnormalities, cesarean/C-section birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and uterine abnormalities)
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Be a first time parent.
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Be less than 28 weeks gestation (first or second trimester).
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Be experiencing a socioeconomic disadvantage, such as
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Being a single parent.
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Having less than a 12 th grade education.
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Receiving income assistance through programs such as Medicaid, WIC, and/or Foodshare.
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Having difficulty living on your household income (proof not required).
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Being unhoused or residing in a temporary living situation such as a shelter.
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There are multiple ways you can schedule an appointment for YouFirst:
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Call 262-636-9431 and request to make an appointment.
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Visit the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic located in Racine City Hall at 730 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI 53403 in the Lower Level, Room 4.
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Expert medical guidance will be provided through an interdisciplinary team consisting of public health, health care, and other professionals who will monitor for chronic health conditions, provide nutrition and exercise education and counseling to promote healthy habits essential for well-being and lifelong wellness.
Infant mortality means the death of a baby before their first birthday. It can happen for many reasons - such as health problems during pregnancy, birth complications, infections, or birth defects.
Health experts look at the infant mortality rate to understand how healthy a community is overall. High rates often point to deeper challenges - like limited access to healthcare, unsafe housing, chronic stress, or barriers to healthy food and prenatal care.
Reducing infant mortality means supporting healthy pregnancies, improving access to care, and creating safe, stable environments where every baby has the best chance to grow and thrive.
In Racine, a high number of babies are born too early or face serious health challenges during their first year of life. The City of Racine continues to experience higher rates of infant loss and poor birth outcomes than the state average - especially among African American families.
These differences are linked to many factors, including unequal access to healthcare, financial stress, barriers to quality prenatal care, and challenges like poor nutrition or tobacco use. Together, these factors increase the chances of premature birth and low birth weight, which are leading causes of infant mortality.
YouFirst was created to change that. The program takes a comprehensive approach to reproductive and maternal health - supporting people before, during, and after pregnancy. Rather than focusing only on expectant mothers, we help women at every stage:
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Those not currently planning pregnancy
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Those preparing for a healthy pregnancy
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Those who are newly pregnant or recently gave birth
By improving health across these stages, YouFirst helps prevent unintended pregnancies, supports healthy births, and promotes lifelong wellness for families in Racine.
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Preconception health means taking care of your body and mind before becoming pregnant. It’s about building healthy habits, managing any ongoing health conditions, and getting the care and support you need to feel your best - now and in the future.
Good preconception health helps improve your overall well-being and supports healthier pregnancies when and if you decide to have a baby. It includes things like regular checkups, balanced nutrition, emotional support, and safe home and work environments.
Interconception health refers to the time between pregnancies - from the end of one pregnancy until the beginning of the next. It’s an important period for recovery, self-care, and planning for the future.
Focusing on your health during this time helps your body heal, manage any health conditions, and prepare for a healthy next pregnancy, if and when you choose to have one. This includes things like getting regular checkups, managing stress, eating well, and having the support and resources you need to stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
