Organizational History and Qualifications

Best Start Health Coalition in Peel (BSHCP) began on March 26, 1991 from a meeting comprised of agencies and community groups working to support childbearing women and young children in Peel.  The aim of this group was to reduce the number of low birth weight and premature babies born in Peel.  This group recognized the immediate needs of some expectant mothers for food, prenatal education and access to supportive counseling and referrals.  They also acknowledged that by pooling existing resources and expertise, several agencies working together could develop a program to address these needs.  As a result, on July 15, 1992, BSHCP launched a new program called Healthy Start.

Also in 1992, a volunteer Board of Directors was elected and a declaration of trust was prepared.  A constitution was adopted and shortly after, BSHCP was established as a Trust with charitable status. 

From these humble beginnings, this group evolved into today’s organization, Best Start Health Coalition in Peel, which consists of 7 Healthy Start program sites and 3 Teen Prenatal Supper Clubs.  Sites are all staffed by Public Health Nurses, dieticians, site coordinators and child care staff.  Participants also receive support once their babies are born (up until the age of 3 months). 

Best Start Health Coalition in Peel also became incorporated in July 2004.

The year 2006 marked Best Start Health Coalition in Peel’s 15th year anniversary of providing crucial prenatal services in the Region of Peel.