Baby Health Service Inc

Baby Health Service (BHS) was founded in 1914 by a group of Lexington, Kentucky women who were interested in providing free formula for infants suffering from malnutrition and rickets.  The founding women, led by Emma Haggin, provided milk, cod liver oil and even food for these babies.  Over the years, services changed as the needs of the community changed. Immunizations, weekly clinics and home visits were added in the 1920’s.  When welfare began after War World II, the board adopted its current policy of working only with families that are not eligible for government assistance. Services evolved from focusing on nutrition to providing care for acute illnesses.  Initially, pediatricians volunteered their time seeing children each morning with nurses doing follow-up home visits in the afternoon.

In 1996, the Board of Directors, under the guidance of Dr. William Underwood, recognized the growing need for extended hours for both well and sick childcare. 

Today, Baby Health Service provides a clinic each weekday morning for well-child checkups, school physicals, immunizations, sick visits, and medications for children from birth through age 17.  Services are provided free of charge and are only available to children without private or government assisted health insurance.  The clinic serves approximately 3,000 children each year and is staffed by two paid part-time medical professionals, one paid part-time nurse practitioner and local pediatricians who volunteer their time.  Specialists also offer their services when needed.   The Baby Health Service Board consists of 45-50 members who are crucial to the organization’s operation. Board members volunteer their time in the clinic, in addition to soliciting funds to support the clinic.  Many board members are the third and fourth generation of their family to serve.