NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP: A SOCIAL PROGRAM THAT WORKS

I came across an article in the New York Times about the Nurse-Family Partnership and thought it might be interesting for those of you who may have missed it—and those who perhaps are unaware that Rhode Island is one of 42 states that has instituted this remarkably successful program. I found it particularly notable, perhaps, because I’m married to a pediatrician. The article, titled “For Mothers at Risk, Someone to Lean On,” profiles the social program in New York City.

The Nurse-Family Partnership, started in the 1970s, has been adopted in 42 states and has been found to be a social program that works—saving states money and giving tangible benefits to the women and children involved. Rhode Island adopted this program in 2005 after a push by several organizations, including Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, the leading children’s policy and advocacy organization in the state.

The Times story is about a nurse for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene who is involved in that city’s Nurse-Family Partnership. The program matches specially trained nurses to low-income, first-time mothers. The nurses start meeting with the mothers during pregnancy and continue their visits until the child’s second birthday. Read the NY Times article.