Build-a-Bridge

Build-a-Bridge™ strengthens connections between children and families to health care professionals and community resources. This helps encourage better overall health and well-being.

Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) can work with you to support your child & family. They can help you tackle barriers to care, bridge connections to pediatricians, link to community resources, prepare for well-child appointments, and discuss the importance of developmental screenings including what to do if concerned.

It is never too early to look for a pediatrician that is right for you. Choosing a pediatrician before your baby is born will help you feel confident about your baby's care. Plus, knowing you have chosen the right doctor will help you feel calmer and more in control.

From your baby's long-awaited arrival until those first days of school, you'll be visiting the doctor regularly to make sure that your child is healthy and developing well. These check-ups are essential to ensure appropriate physical and mental development, and to provide vaccinations to prevent serious bacterial and viral illnesses.

It can be hard to remember questions or concerns you may want to with the doctor. Prepare by writing them down before your child's appointment. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Milestones matter! Track your child's milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) easy-to-use illustrated checklists, get tips from CDC for encouraging your child's development, and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.

Download the CDC milestone tracking app
"Concerned about development, how to get help for your child" tip sheet
The CDC’s milestone tracker: A demonstration for caregivers
The CDC’s milestone tracker: A demonstration for caregivers

Text "FIND" to 67629 to find information for nearby organizations and agencies offering social services and other support.

TXT4 Tarrant Cares

Help Me Grow - Connect to child development services and other community-based resources within your area.
211 - View information or referrals to local resources. You can also dial (2-1-1) to access this information.
Behavioral Health - Access to behavioral health services and resources.

What is the Caregiver Alliance?

The Caregiver Alliance is where parents and caregivers can connect, find support, resources and receive education to strengthen families overall wellbeing. Led by Cook Children's staff, we currently offer virtual meetings and strive to create a safe, judgement free space for parents and caregivers.

Please note that these meetings are not a substitute for professional, medical or mental health services.

If you feel like you are having a mental health emergency, please contact 9-1-1. For crisis care, contact the ICARE line 817-335-3022.

How can I participate?

Contact Ashley Jackson at Ashley.Jackson@cookchildrens.org or 682-885-6969

Meet Our Team

Ashley Jackson, MPH, CHW

Early on in my career, I saw firsthand the barriers faced by families attempting to access medical services. When I started acquiring experience at Cook Children’s, I realized I could make a difference on the public health side of health care. Public health allows me to combine my passion for service, health and education. I truly enjoy being able to bridge the gap between communities and resources and reach those who do not have adequate access to care. I completed my undergrad at Ball State University and my Masters of Public Health from American Public University.

LaToya Jones, CHW

I'm a Fort Worth native and have over 13 years' experience working with families, children and individuals that require advocacy services. My work, life experiences as well as my Community Health Worker training has equipped me for my current role as a CHW with The Center for Children's Health. My unique interpersonal relationship with not only my community but with others has led me to doing what I love.

Submit a request for our team to contact you

Submit a request for services

Once a form is submitted you will be contacted to discuss your specific needs.

If you have any questions or would like information about our program, please email build-a-bridge@cookchildrens.org.

Build-a-Bridge

Choosing a pediatrician

Preparing for well child appointments

Developmental milestone tracking

Resources

Caregiver Alliance