What is The Nurse-Family Partnership program?
Nurse-Family Partnership is a prenatal and early childhood nurse visitation program that improves the health and well being of MA/WIC eligible first-time mothers and their babies. Through these visits, the goal of the program is to help families develop confidence and skills for parenting and economic self-sufficiency.

How does the Nurse-Family Partnership program work?
A voluntary program, the Nurse-Family Partnership offers a registered nurse the ability to home visit participants to help educate them and hopefully help to prevent maternal and child health problems. Beginning during pregnancy and continuing until the child is two years old, nurse home visitors work with families on:

• Mother’s health issues
• Environmental health
• Quality care giving for infants and toddlers
• Mother’s healthy personal development
• Support from family and/or friends

Nurse home visitors can also help link families with other community health and human services they may need.

What are the program goals & benefits?
The Nurse-Family Partnership program goals include the following:

• Healthy pregnancy - Nurses help new mothers-to-be improve their diet and nutrition, utilize proper obstetrical care and educate on the importance of avoiding use of tobacco and other harmful substances.

• Healthy children - First-time mothers learn how to provide responsible and competent care, particularly in the areas of children’s physical and emotional health and safety. Nurses help parents build a strong support network of friends and family.

• Healthy personal development - Together, nurses and parents create a vision for the future that includes a plan for future pregnancies, steps toward continuing education, and securing adequate employment.

The Nurse-Family Partnership program benefits the participants in many areas, such as:

• Frequent visits
• Health assessments
• Child development assessments
• Nutrition education
• Parenting education

Is there a fee for participation?
There is no fee to program participants for these services.

What is the Enrollment Criteria?
To be eligible for this program, you must be:

• First-time mother
• WIC or MA eligible

Where can I find more information?
For more information on the Nurse-Family Partnership
program, please call (717) 843-6330.

• Breastfeeding education
• Health and safety information
• Family support planning
• Referrals to community resources and services