Nurse-Family Partnership holds largest graduation ever
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) of Forsyth County celebrated its largest graduation ever with 27 mothers and 27 toddlers last month at Forsyth Medical Center.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) of Forsyth County celebrated its largest graduation ever with 27 mothers and 27 toddlers last month at Forsyth Medical Center.
The Forsyth County Department of Public Health program teams up public health nurses with first-time mothers to improve pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, and the economic self-sufficiency of families. NFP follows an evidence-based national model of nurses making regular home visits to mothers, starting early in their pregnancy and up to the baby’s second birthday. The program started in Forsyth County in 2012 and now has eight nurses who currently serve approximately 165 mothers.
Chastity Barr, who graduated from the program with her son Caleb, said that she loved her nurses. She said she appreciated all the resources and information she’s gotten from the program.
“It’s a very informative program,” she said. “I got a lot of tips about being a new mom.”
Each mother and their child who completed the program proudly walked through a “tunnel of support” with Department of Public Health staff lined up on one side and family members and friends on the other, all applauding their accomplishment. The mothers got framed certificates and the children received a backpacks filled with books, stuffed animal, and gift certificate, courtesy of Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. Public Health Director Joshua Swift personally congratulated the families at the end of the ceremony.
NFP Supervisor Christine Wanous said the mothers have accomplished more than just healthy pregnancies, with many furthering their education and getting job training to help better their families.
“We’re so proud of our moms because they’ve accomplished so much in the two and half years,” she said.
Wanous said that partners like Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Child Care Resource Center, Smart Start of Forsyth County, Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Downtown Health Plaza, and Newborns in Need have helped make the program a success.
NFP is for women who are having their first baby, live in Forsyth County, are early in their pregnancy, and have an income that qualifies for Medicaid or WIC benefits. For more information on the program and to find out if you can participate, call (336) 703-3185.
