Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)

The Berrien County Health Department is proud to participate in the Nurse-Family Partnership,  a free community health program created to help first-time moms. Women who are having their first baby can enroll in the program and have a registered nurse visit with them in their home during pregnancy through their child’s second birthday. 

Nurse-Family Partnership® is an evidence-based program with 45 years of research showing significant improvements in the health and lives of first-time moms and their children. Research consistently shows the partnership between a nurse and mother is a winning combination that makes a measurable, long-term difference for the whole family. Moms enrolled in Nurse-Family Partnership benefit by getting the care and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy. 

Families also develop a close relationship with their NFP nurse, who becomes a trusted resource they can rely on for advice on everything from safely caring for their child to taking steps to provide a bright future for their new family.

ELIGIBILITY

To participate in the Berrien County Health Department’s Nurse-Family Partnership program, a woman must:

• Be pregnant with her first child.
• Meet income requirements.
• Live in Berrien County.

Interested participants are encouraged to enroll as early as possible in their pregnancy.

If you are interested in the program but do not live in Berrien County, you can visit nursefamilypartnership.org to find a program near you. 

Program Cost

The Nurse-Family Partnership program is free to all eligible women.

Nurse Visits

Participants and their nurse will work together to develop a weekly or biweekly visit schedule from when they are first enrolled in the program through the child’s second birthday. Nurses will: 

• Help participants experience a healthy pregnancy.
• Provide guidance on parenting. 
• Help participants build a strong network of support.
• Help participants make their home a safe place for their child to live and play.
• Get referrals for health care, child care, job training and other support services available in your community.
• Help participants find ways to continue their education and develop job skills.
• Assist participants with goal setting for their family. 

FATHER and family member PARTICIPATION

Though centered on mother and child, the Nurse-Family Partnership program encourages fathers, family members and even friends to be involved in the visits and learn how they can best support participants. Participants will work with their nurse to decide who gets involved.