Staff and program participants shared their experiences with Secretary Miller.
In June, Teresa Miller, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, visited LG Health to learn more about its Nurse-Family Partnership program, a free program that helps first-time, low-income mothers and their infants receive health-care services, health education, emotional support and guidance.
As part of the program, enrolled mothers are partnered with their own personal, registered nurse who provides on-going support through advice and information needed to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and be a great mother. Through home visits, the nurses are able to help parents expand their knowledge and child-rearing skills, while developing social support systems that improve access to education, health and community services.
Secretary Miller met three mothers in the program, who shared how it had impacted their pre- and post-natal care and supported them in the journey of becoming a mother. “I started the program when I was 10 weeks pregnant and didn’t know what to expect,” said one participant. “However, I felt supported and had less anxiety because the program is tailored for each mom and it is a collaboration between you and the nurse.”
“We think it is vital to cultivate a trusting relationship between our nurses, moms and babies,” said Mary Steffy, RN, manager, LG Health Community Health and Wellness, which have led to positive outcomes. For those involved in the program, 93 percent of babies were born full-term, 98 percent of infants received immunizations by 24 months, 93 percent of mother choose to breastfeed with lactation support and 54 percent received a high school diploma or GED while enrolled in the Nurse-Family Partnership program.