Health Department Celebrates First Year of Family Connects Program
Published on October 22, 2024
Nurses have visited over 700 local families with newborns
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) recently celebrated the first anniversary of the Family Connects program, which offers a home visit from a public health nurse to all Lincoln and Lancaster County families with a new baby.
“We’re excited about the continued growth of this valuable program and meeting more and more families,” said Pat Lopez, Health Director. “Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, every baby is different. Bringing a newborn home can be stressful and exhausting for parents. Some extra support and a little reassurance can go a long way.”
Family Connects nurses have made more than 750 home visits since the program began in September 2023. Participation is voluntary and there is no cost for the visit. During a Family Connects visit nurses listen and answer questions and provide resources for families to get their children off to a healthy start.
Services offered by Family Connects nurses include:
- Health checks for baby and mom
- Assistance with bathing, diapering, swaddling, and safe sleep environments
- Help with breast and bottle feeding from certified lactation consultants
- Link parents to providers and resources
- Help schedule upcoming appointments
- Recommendations for quality childcare options
Program participants report a 99% satisfaction rate, and nurses have provided close to 600 referrals to assist families with access to care, maternal mental health, childcare, household safety and much more.
“We were so, so thankful for the nurse visits. I don’t think I’d have the wonderful breastfeeding relationship with my baby if she hadn’t visited our room at the hospital after we’d given birth and signed us up for visits. Having her come to our home and helping us in our own environment was priceless,” said program participant Abigail about her Family Connects visit.
Families learn about Family Connects from their obstetric provider during pregnancy, through a Family Connects nurse in the hospital after delivery, or from health care providers such as pediatricians, family practice physicians and nurse practitioners during initial well baby checks. The Health Department’s public health clinic, the Women, Infants and Children program, community and cultural centers, refugee resettlement agencies and other local organizations also share information about Family Connects.
LLCHD developed the foundation for the program through work with Bryan Health and CHI Health St. Elizabeth, health care providers, and experts in the early childhood field.
Family Connects International is an evidence-based home visiting program model implemented in 20 states. According to Family Connects International studies, mothers who used the service felt less anxious, were more likely to complete a six-week postpartum health check and learned about quality childcare options available to them. Families reported more connections to community resources. Child emergency room visits were reduced by 50% through age 12 months.
To schedule a Family Connects visit, or for more information, visit lincoln.ne.gov/Family Connects or call 402-441-4433.