Being a first-time mom is tough, but there are people within the community willing to lend a hand. By sending specially educated nurses to regularly visit moms-to-be from early pregnancy to the child’s second birthday, Nurse-Family Partnership is doing just that — lending a hand. With multiple locations in Georgia, and hopes of expanding even further within the state, the nonprofit is here to help.
“There also has been a challenge in finding formula,” the nonprofit told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution when asked about what challenges it is facing in Georgia’s communities. “Access to timely care in general has been challenging and compromised because of the limited providers who accept Medicaid in this area. In addition, we have found the turnaround time is lengthy for Childcare and Parent Services for childcare, which results in many teen parents struggling to go to school and care for their babies.
“Statewide in Georgia, Nurse-Family Partnership has found challenges with nurse retention and recruitment, plus safety concerns for nurses in the community. There has been an increase in mental health needs for the families we serve and concerns regarding intimate partner violence.”
In the fight against the challenges being faced by Georgia’s first-time mothers, Nurse-Family Partnership’s specially trained nurses are at the vanguard. Behind the scenes, the nonprofit is dedicated to furthering its goals through research.
“Nurse-Family Partnership is backed by over 45 years of research and proven outcomes for both mom and baby,” the nonprofit said. “We know from the randomized, controlled trials (considered the gold-standard of scientific studies), Nurse-Family Partnership has showed a 48% reduction in child abuse and neglect, 56% reduction in ER visits for accidents and poisonings, 50% reduction in language delays of child age 2 and 82% increase in months employed.”
It’s that two-pronged approach — research and specialized nursing — that makes it all come together.
“In 2022, Nurse-Family Partnership in the Albany area identified several cases of prenatal and post-partum preeclampsia and post-partum hemorrhage,” the organization said. “Our mental health assessments have provided referrals for services. We have helped navigate community resources for intimate partner violence when it is identified. We have also assisted with resources for homelessness.”
Nurse-Family Partnership is always looking to expand, but it needs the community’s help to do it.
“Community involvement is the backbone of the National Service Office’s ability to support a national network of local Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First programs,” the nonprofit said. “We invite residents to connect with their local Nurse-Family Partnership location and show interest in joining their Community Advisory Board. The purpose of the Community Advisory Board is to bring the voice of the community to help share the implementation of the model and develop key partnerships within the community to help support families. Plus, the Community Advisory Board helps advocate for funding and sustainability for Nurse-Family Partnership to serve more families.
“Investments in the National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First provides accessibility to those who need these proven interventions. Donations from the community further ensure accountability for both growth and performance and yield positive long-term health, mental wellness and self-sufficiency outcomes for families in communities across the country today and for generations to come.”
To get involved through a local Community Advisory Board, contact giving@nursefamilypartnership.org or call 866-864-5226. Those interested in donating can do so here.
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