Oklahoma’s Children First program honored

An award honoring the state of Oklahoma was presented at a recent reception to celebrate 10 years of Oklahoma’s Children First Nurse-Family Partnership.  Lt. Governor Jari Askins accepted the award, which was given by the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) National Service Office in Denver, Colorado. The award marked the 10th anniversary of the first statewide implementation of the Nurse-Family Partnership model in the United States. 
“This marks an important milestone for Children First and we feel it is important to recognize the continued support of Gov. Brad Henry and Oklahoma State Legislature.  This program helps ensure that first-time parents receive the support they need to care for their children,” said Children First Director Mildred Ramsey.
“I am so proud of our Children First Nurses and staff, they are committed to ensuring that each mother has the necessary skills and resources to care for their child,” said Pottawatomie County Health Department Administrative Director Tina R. Johnson.
The Nurse-Family Partnership model is a nationally recognized, evidence based prevention program that has been praised by the National Institute for Early Education Research, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Surgeon General and the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. 
The Children First Nurse-Family Partnership has enrolled almost 29,000 families over the past ten years.  Outcomes for the program include: 
•    An infant mortality rate that is approximately one-half of the rate for other first-time births in Oklahoma
•    High immunization rate
•    Significant reduction in smoking during pregnancy among participating women
•    High rates of breastfeeding initiation when compared to state rates
The Children First Nurse-Family Partnership enrolls women who are fewer than than 29 weeks pregnant with their first baby and the family’s income must be less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The program provides home visits to the family until the child’s second birthday. Nurses provide health and development assessments, education and referrals and support to families needing help to cope with the demands of caregiving, working or continuing their education.
For more information about the Children First Nurse-Family Partnership, call the Pottawatomie County Health Department at 273-2157 to see if you qualify to enroll, or visit this Web site: http://www.ok.gov/health/Child_and_Family_Health/Family_Support_and Prevention_Service/Children_First_Program/index.html