Regional program gives first-time moms a boost through home nurse visits

An essential public health program that connects nurses with first-time moms will be available to Arapahoe County residents in January 2023 when the County opens its new public health department. The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program provides a holistic line of care for families and children experiencing the effects of poverty and adversity.

NFP is an evidence-based, voluntary community health home visitation program for women having their first baby. The program helps first-time mothers of any age have a healthy pregnancy, become knowledgeable and successful parents, and provide their babies with the best possible start in life.

Arapahoe County Public Health will receive funding from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood for 15 home nurses and seven other staff members who will serve approximately 370 families in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.

"From our earliest discussions, Arapahoe County Public Health has prioritized programs that help our community's most vulnerable members," said Nancy Sharpe, chair of the Board of Health. "NFP is a critical service that shapes children and their families for many years after the program's completion. Programmatically, it closely aligns with other County initiatives that focus on serving an entire family to create a legacy of stability and overall well-being."

National research shows that NFP is proven to :

• Reduce child abuse and neglect by 48%
• Reduce ER visits for accidents and poisonings by 56%
• Reduce child arrests at age 15 by 59%

Current Arapahoe County NFP clients will not see a disruption in service and the County will be prepared to accept new clients.

"It was important to us that, whenever possible, our current clients continue to meet with nurses they already know and trust when the program hits the ground running in January," said Public Health Director Jennifer Ludwig. "NFP is an exceptional program that ensures that mothers and their babies who have been affected by social and economic inequality have the tools they need to be thriving members of our community."