The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust has awarded a five year, $2.5 million  grant to establish a Nurse-Family Partnership program (NFP). The Forsyth County Department of Public Health will use the funds to implement the project. Christine Wanous, nurse supervisor for the program, says the Nurse-Family Partnership will help around 100 families in the Winston-Salem area.

 “Forsyth County is in need of the program because it exceeds state averages in key risk indicator areas. For example, 59 percent of first time births are to mothers on Medicaid here while the state average is 52 percent and our county teen pregnancy rate is 52 out of 1,000 teens, while the state of North Carolina averages 43 out of 1,000,” says Wanous.

Four nurses will be assigned to help new mothers who enroll in the program. Fathers and other family members are also encouraged to participate during the home visits.

Wanous says participants must meet the following requirements:  be a first time mother, have low income or qualify for WIC or Medicaid and live in Forsyth County. Wanous says the national evidence-based program has proven outcomes and strengthens both families and communities.

“The goals of the program are to improve pregnancy outcomes, improve child health and development, and the economic self-sufficiency of the family," says Wanous.

"The program also will help her with delivery questions that she may have and when the baby does come helping her with those early issues. Nurses will encourage breast feeding and encouraging the young mom with her goals whether it is finishing school or to get skilled in a career,” says Wanous.