The Nurse-Family Partnership, offered by Lancaster General Health and the United Way of Lancaster County, is a program for first time, expectant mothers. Through this program low-income mothers and their infants receive healthcare services, health education, emotional support and guidance. Each mother is paired with a specially trained nurse who will supplement the mother’s medical treatment from pregnancy through the child’s second birthday. For more information, or to see if you qualify, please call (717) 544-3146.
Program Details
Who can be in this program?
If you meet the following guidelines you are eligible for the program:
- You being the program early in your pregnancy (no later than the 28th week of pregnancy).
- You’re expecting your first baby.
- You meet the program’s income guidelines (you are within 250% of the federal poverty level.) You may have insurance or medical assistance and still qualify.
- You WANT to be in the program!
What you can expect
You will be assigned to a nurse who will visit you, at you home or other convenient location, beginning early in your pregnancy and continuing through your child’s second birthday. The nurses in this program are specially trained and will help you through this exciting and sometimes scary part of your life. Your nurse will teach you how to have a healthy pregnancy, how to be the best parent you can be, and guide you in making decisions for your future.
What kinds of things will we talk about during the visits?
A lot of what happens during the visits depends on you and what you want. You may talk about your own health, how to make your home a safe and comfortable place for your baby, how to set goals for your life, how to be the best mom you can be, how to obtain services that are available in the community, and how to involve family and friends in helping to raise your child.
How often will I meet with my nurse?
This depends on how you are doing and how often you decide you should meet. Usually, you will meet weekly for the first month, then every other week until you have your baby. When the baby is born you may need some extra help and support, so you may meet weekly for about six weeks. After this, you will meet about every other week until the baby is about 21 months old, and then monthly until the baby is two years old.
Is the program just for moms, or are dads included too?
Since moms carry the baby and are most directly responsible for the health of the child, they are the main person the nurse visits with. However, we know that many people are involved in raising children. If it is possible and okay with you, we feel that involving dads, extended family and even friends is very important. How much these other people are involved is up to you and your nurse to decide together.
Is there a cost to be in this program?
No. As a participant in this program you don’t have to pay anything.
For more information or to enroll in the Nurse-Family Partnership program, please call (717) 544-3146.