Nurse-Family Partnership Program improves maternal and child health outcomes

Nurse Family Partnership Program was presented at the April 2023 SAFE meeting — Photo by Courtney Cole

At the April 6, 2023 meeting for the SAFE Committee (Substance Abuse Free Environments), Hilary Lindstrom, Nurse Supervisor for Nurse-Family Partnership, presented the program’s impact on maternal and child health outcomes. The Nurse-Family Partnership Program, founded over 40 years ago by John Hopkins, operates under the Kansas City Health Department and serves 7 area counties, including Cass, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, and Ray. Today, the program is funded by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and partners with three agencies to deliver a high-quality program designed to address the risks of poverty, preterm births, other poor maternal and child health outcomes, high school dropout rates, domestic violence, and child maltreatment.

The program provides specially trained nurses to support first-time moms in setting health and wellness goals, improving pregnancy outcomes, children’s health and development, and economic self-sufficiency of the family. The program’s participants often face serious challenges, including homelessness, isolation, and withdrawal. Nurse-Family Partnership helps new moms be the best they can be.

The Nurse-Family Partnership model has been tested for 20 years in 3 randomized control trials in a variety of community settings, making it an evidence-based program. An OB doctor can refer mothers to participate in the program, but mothers can also request participation themselves. Participants receive a nurse visit every 2 weeks during pregnancy and after for up to 2 years.

The Nurse-Family Partnership Program has been serving clients since 2000, and hundreds of thousands of babies have been born to vulnerable first-time moms facing serious challenges. The program’s impact on maternal and child health outcomes is significant, making it an essential program for communities across the state.

To learn more about the Nurse-Family Partnership Program, visit www.nursefamilypartnership.org.