Iowa has been struggling with racial disparities in maternal and child health outcomes, and at the same time the state’s young children are diversifying at a rate unmatched by any other age group.
According to the most recent Iowa Child and Family Household Health Survey, the state showed higher than desired levels of child poverty, parental stress and depression, premature births, child maltreatment and substance abuse. These and other indicators impact disproportionately on the health outcomes of minority children. Iowa’s adolescents have higher rates of unintended pregnancy, low birth weight babies and sexually transmitted infections than any other age cohort, with particularly high teen birth rates for Hispanic and non-Hispanic teens.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is an evidence-based, community health program that helps transform the lives of vulnerable mothers pregnant with their first child. Each mother served by NFP is partnered with a registered nurse early in her pregnancy and receives ongoing nurse home visits that continue through her child’s second birthday. Results from more than 37 years of research show how this unique relationship is turning lives around.
Nurse-Family Partnership in Iowa
Currently Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa is the only agency serving young mothers and their babies. This agency serves clients in Des Moines and throughout Polk County. VNS has been providing healthcare services to women and children as an Iowa charity since its inception in 1908.
To inquire about bringing Nurse-Family Partnership to more communities in Iowa, contact the Nurse-Family Partnership Business Development Manager for Iowa.