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.

Immunizations, weekly clinics and home visits were added

When welfare began, the board adopted its current policy of working only with families that are not eligible for government assistance and only providing medical care to children birth through 12 years of age

BHS nurses drove trucks to provide free polio shots in poor neighborhoods. At that time because of Sr. Michael Leo's support our BHS clinic relocated to St. Joseph Hospital and operated out of a waiting room in the hospital.

Services evolved from not only focusing on nutrition and immunizations to providing care for acute illnesses as well. Initially, pediatricians volunteered their time seeing children each morning with nurses doing follow-up home visits in the afternoon.

When caring for children out of SJH's waiting room was no longer feasible and our patient load increased, St. Joseph Hospital allowed BHS Clinic to relocate for $1.00 rent a year to an adjacent building where we are today. 

The Board of Directors saw a growing need for extended hours for well and sick child care. As a result, a nurse practitioner was hired to staff the clinic five half-days a week along with two Registered nurses.

In 1997 BHS was awarded the Points of Light Foundation President's Service Award for volunteerism. President Clinton made the presentation. Many awards for volunteerism and service to children in the Lexington community followed.

The board of directors and our volunteer physicians recognized the growing dental problems of these children. In collaboration with The University of Kentucky Mobile Dental Van and UK Dental Residents through a grant from the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of the Bluegrass.