Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) Indiana welcomes its 1,000th baby! The milestone signifies the nurse-home visiting program’s efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable mothers, babies and families in Indiana, which has the seventh worst infant mortality rate in the nation at seven infant deaths for every 1,000 live births in 2013.
NFP pairs each low-income mother pregnant with her first child with a registered nurse for ongoing home visits through the child’s second birthday. NFP nurses support mothers and families in providing the very best start for their children during the earliest, most developmentally critical years.
“Hoosier mothers and babies’ lives are improved because of NFP Indiana,” said Kent A. Kramer, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana. “In just over four years, the mothers of these 1,000 babies took a chance and welcomed a nurse into their homes.”
Implemented in Indiana exclusively by Goodwill, NFP began in Marion County in November 2011 and currently serves more than 500 families there. In 2015, the program expanded to Delaware, Lake, Madison, Tippecanoe and White counties, with a capacity to serve more than 1,000 families.
This milestone also means that the mothers of these 1,000 babies:
Had their physical status regularly assessed and were assisted in entering early prenatal care
Learned how to keep their baby healthy and safe
Received education and support to read and play with their infant to enhance brain development
Counseled on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to get started
Received resources, support and guidance for housing, education, employment and child care
“These mothers experienced the support of a caring nurse who focused on their strengths and encouraged their desire to do the best for their babies,” Kramer said. “They developed a strong, supportive relationship that helped them have a healthy pregnancy and birth, learn to bond with their baby, breastfeed if they chose, connect with resources and more. This work helps save lives and empowers families to become self-sufficient.”
Darnee Thompson’s son, Torrance Colbert III, is one of the 1,000 babies born to moms in NFP. Torrance was born in August 2015, but Darnee met Michelle, her NFP nurse, a year earlier. Sadly, that pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. Michelle visited with Darnee to talk about grieving, tips on coping with grief and shared resources that Darnee used to get counseling.
When Darnee got pregnant again, she reached out to Michelle and started the NFP program anew. This pregnancy was considered high risk — she had gestational diabetes and also needed to have a procedure to help her carry this baby to full term. Michelle helped Darnee understand her medical situation, and Darnee’s mom and boyfriend also have participated in Michelle’s visits.
“My nurse Michelle always answers my questions,” Darnee said. “I knew I wanted to breastfeed my son, but I also knew he would have to take a bottle (of breastmilk) when I returned to work. Michelle and I talked about what I can do to be successful with both.”
Michelle also helped Darnee to meet her employment goal of using her previously acquired certification as a nursing assistant (CNA) by connecting her with Goodwill’s job readiness and placement program. With that support, Darnee went from a temp-to-hire customer service position to a home health aide with St. Vincent Health at an increased wage that helps support her family.
As the only NFP implemented by a Goodwill, NFP Indiana nurses work with dedicated consultants to access high-quality community resources that assist families with financial matters, housing, transportation, child care, educational opportunities, employment and health care. Once families complete the nurse-home visitation program, they have the option of continuing with the NFP Graduate program, which focuses on supporting families with developmental milestones, school readiness, child care and more.
NFP Indiana is funded by federal grants administered by the Indiana State Department of Health, including MIECHV and Title V, and individual philanthropic and partner contributions, including IU Health, The Netherleigh Fund and The Glick Fund of the Central Indiana Community foundation and others.
NFP Indiana’s 2015 Outcomes
On average, NFP moms began prenatal care at 9 weeks
Of those who self-reported smoking, 58% quit prior to giving birth
90% of babies born at full term
91% of infants born at a healthy weight
89% of moms initiated breastfeeding
33% of babies still breastfed at 6 months; 19% at 12 months
96% of babies had up-to-date immunizations at 6 months; 95% at 24 months
207 graduates to date (rolling completion based on child’s age) who have completed the 2.5 year program
Self-Sufficiency of graduates
22% of moms, age 18 and older, increased their employment
33% of moms without a high school diploma earned it while in NFP; a third of this group also obtained post-secondary education or certification
28.4% of graduates increased educational level during program
At one year post-enrollment, 24% of households had an increase in income and benefits
Also one year post-enrollment, 53% of clients with 12 or fewer years of education had an increase in educational attainment
To be eligible for NFP, a woman must be pregnant with her first baby, at less than 28 weeks in her pregnancy, and be at 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or below (equivalent to the Medicaid eligibility requirement; for a two-person household, i.e. for a pregnant woman living alone, this would be $31,460 or less).
Participation in NFP is free and voluntary. Health care and other service providers may refer qualifying mothers, who may also self-refer. Self-referrals can be made and more information is available via email at nfp@goodwillindy.org or phone at 317-524-3999. Service providers can make a referral by calling or completing a form at goodwillindy.org/nfp.
