Gift of Life Nurse-Family Partnership Receives March of Dimes Grant
 Montgomery,
AL (February 1, 2010) – The Gift of Life Foundation announced that it has
received a $15,000 community grant from the March of Dimes Alabama Chapter.
Funds from this grant will be used in Montgomery County to serve 25 first-time
teen mothers by enhancing education and supporting services that focus on
reducing disparities in birth outcomes. Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is an
evidence-base community health program that helps transform the lives of
vulnerable mothers pregnant with their first child.
 Gene
Hamrick, Ed.D, RN, NFP Nurse Supervisor, said “Recent data shows that Montgomery
has a high teen pregnancy rate with a significant disparity between black and
white teens. Moreover, black and white maternal-infant health disparities were
seen in repeat teen pregnancies, low birth weight and infant deaths. Teen
pregnancies often result in health problems for mother and baby. Additionally,
teen childbearing can create serious social problems and economic hardships.”
She added that the Montgomery County teen pregnancy rate is one of the higher
rates in the state at 49.3 compared with the state rate of 39.2% (ADPH Child
Health and Maternal Statistics, 2008).
Participation in NFP is voluntary and requires a two-year
commitment. Nurses begin home visits early in the mother’s pregnancy and
continue visitation until the child’s second birthday. Nurses provide support,
education and counseling on health, behavioral and self-sufficiency issues.
NFP is one of the most rigorously tested programs of its kind.
Randomized controlled trials conducted over the past 30 years demonstrate
multi-generational outcomes for families and their communities. Mothers and
children who have participated in the program have consistently demonstrated
significantly improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased
maternal employment, improved child school readiness, reduced involvement in
crime, and less child abuse, neglect and injuries.
Independent analyses has shown that communities benefit socially
and financially when they invest in NFP; the RAND Corporation calls Nurse-Family
Partnership “a wise choice” that has favorable economic return to communities of
$5.70 for every public dollar spent on the program.
The Gift of Life Nurse-Family Partnership currently has an
enrollment of 58 young mothers and 47 babies participating in the Montgomery
program and expects to serve 100 mothers in the coming year.
Nurse-Family Partnership programs currently serve families in 28
states. For more information about Gift of Life Nurse-Family Partnership,
contact Martha Jinright at 272-1820 or visit
www.nursefamilypartnership.org. |
