YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) – According to the World Health Organization, the U.S. has the highest mortality rate for mothers among high income countries. Black mothers are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Family First Health is meeting expectant mothers in the places they need it most. Its Nurse-Family Partnership program connects mothers to a registered nurse for support through their pregnancy at no charge.
Those behind the program say a lack of health coverage is often a barrier for low-income parents to get the care they need and they often feel unseen and unheard by the healthcare system.
“Being that we only serve first-time pregnant mothers who meet income guidelines, we’re serving people who we can make the biggest difference in their lives,†said Nurse-Family Partnership Program Manager and Nurse Supervisor for Adam and York City Lisa Lathrop.
Nurse-Family Partnership services include:
- The support to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby
- Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors on Staff to help with breastfeeding
- Certified Car Seat technician to assist with safe car seat installation
- Spanish speaking in-home interpreter
- The ability to learn and practice things that make you more confident as a mom, like breastfeeding, nutrition, child development, safe-sleep techniques, and much more
- Referrals for healthcare, childcare, job training, and other support services available in your community
- Support to continue your education, develop job skills, or follow your dreams for the future
Women who are pregnant with their first child, pregnant 28 weeks or less and meet income requirements are eligible.
In the Nurse-Family Partnership program, nurses are available until the child is two years old.
Those interested can contact the program’s team at 717-843-6330 or 717-916-4099. They can also email dcaraballo@familyfirsthealth.org or clathrop@familyfirsthealth.org.
More information about the program can be found here.