The Nurse-Family Partnership Program nurses from left: Darra McClendon, central intake, nurse home visitors Krystal Essiet, Kelly Aikens and Cynthia Stevens, and supervisor Patricia Prime.

The city of Perry System of Care along with the Houston County Health Department is proud to announce the launch of the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program, an evidence-based community health initiative that helps transform the lives of mothers pregnant with their first child.

The program is made possible by a grant offered through the Governor's Office for Children and Families' Great Start Georgia program and Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visitation funding. It will offer education and support to low-income, first-time moms who are less than 28 weeks pregnant up to the child's second birthday at no charge to them. The program's goals are to improve maternal health, child health and development and economic self-sufficiency.  The

program plays an important role in helping to improve the lives of society's most vulnerable members, build stronger communities, and leave a positive impact on this and future generations.

The Nurse-Family Partnership in Houston County will have four nurses with a case load of 25 clients each year of the program. Registered nurse and program supervisor Patricia Prime said she is excited about what this program offers the community.

"The Nurse-Family Partnership will guide these families to a healthy pregnancy as well as a healthy and developmentally appropriate child. This program focuses on educating the mother and empowering her to make the responsible choices for her growing family," Prime said.

Many studies have been conducted over the past 30 years to prove the effectiveness of the program. Moms and children who have participated have  consistently demonstrated significantly improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased maternal employment, improved child school readiness, reduced involvement in crime, and less child abuse, neglect and injuries.

Prime said the goal of the program is not to come in to a new mother's home and make life easier, but to educate the mother about how she can make life better for herself and her child.

"Our goal is not to do it for them. We want to show these mothers that they can make small changes that will have a big and lasting impact in their own lives," said Prime. "We want to show them that someone does believe in them. They can do this!"

For more information or to make a referral to the NFP program, call 478-218-0142 ext. 117

-Story by Jennifer Jones, Public Information Officer/Risk Communicator, North Central Health District 5-2.