A new program helps newborns and mothers find their way

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio – A new pilot program is being attempted in Ohio for families with newborns in the house.

Guernsey and Noble Counties are two of the eleven counties testing out the program called Family Connects Ohio. Described as a universal home visiting program, Family Connects Ohio offers at-home nurse visits 3 weeks after the birth of a child at no cost to the family regardless of income.

“They do heights and weights for the babies. They check Mom, they can check on feeding, they can check on lactation,” said Kylie Jones, the deputy health commissioner for the Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Department. “They will also ask the mom if she has any needs, if the household needs anything and we can refer to other county agencies. That’s a huge part of the program.””

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics says that infants in the program saw 50% fewer trips to the ER or hospital and the Journal of the American Medical Association says mothers were 30% less likely to experience possible post partum depression and anxiety.

““So, we would like of every newborn and mom to be able to take advantage of this program so please sign up. Call our office, click on the QR code, again that is in Guernsey County and Noble County and those are facilitated through the local health departments,” Jones said.

A study published in Development and Psychopathology Journal says that the North Carolina version of the program saw a return on investment of $3.17 for every dollar spent via reduced emergency medical care for children under 24 months. The pilot program started sending nurses at the beginning of the year with hopes to expand the program state wide next year.