• By Todd Luck
• Posted Thursday, September 29, 2022

Nurse-Family Partnership celebrates 10 years of helping mothers and their babies

Forsyth County Department of Public Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 28, with staff, partners and clients.

Nurse-Family Partnership’s goal is to improve pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, and the economic self-sufficiency of families. It follows an evidence-based national model of nurses making regular home visits to mothers, starting early in their pregnancy and up to the baby’s second birthday.

“I knew with NFP I could difference, and we did make a difference,” said NFP Supervisor Christine Wanous, who has been with the local program from the beginning.

Since NFP of Forsyth County began in 2012, the program has received nearly 3,600 referrals, conducted more than 21,800 visits for a total of 770 participants. The program has grown over the years to 8 nurses who can serve a full caseload of 200 mothers at one time.

NFP Nurse Hannah Phillips said the families they serve give them a ”million special and significant things” to remember. She called the parents and children the “heart beat and life blood of the program that makes it all worth it.”

“As a nurse...you invest yourself into these relationships. These moms and these babies become a part of who you are.” said Hannah. “And each and every relationship is important, it’s meaningful, it’s special and it’s the reason why we do what we do.”

During the anniversary event, local NFP staff received praise from NFP State Nurse Consultant Kelly Morris and Marie James, NFP National Service Office Senior Manager of Nursing.

“Thank you is such a small word when extending it to nurses who are passionate, committed and dedicated to serving and partnering with families to uncover their innate strengths and skills as parents,” said James.

Nationally, NFP has served more than 376,000 families since 1996. The program is in 40 states, plus Washington, DC, the US Virgin Islands and some tribal communities.

For pregnant women, early in their first pregnancy, who would like to participate in Nurse-Family Partnership in Forsyth County, call 336-703-3185 to talk with the team.

To view pics from the event, click here.