Health officials working to expand access to home-visiting programs

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — With rising maternal health challenges and racial disparities in birth outcomes, city officials in New Orleans are stepping up efforts to provide support. One key solution is the expansion of home-visiting programs, like Family Connects New Orleans.

The program offers free, in-home support and guidance to families with newborns, providing vital assistance on health, parenting and available community resources.

The goal is to ensure that all families, regardless of their background, have the support they need to thrive. By expanding these services, officials hope to address the disparities in maternal health and give every family a healthier start to life.

With already 900 visits this year alone, organizers are calling the program a major success. They say it’s playing a crucial role in improving outcomes for both morbidity and mortality, as well as supporting early childhood development.

“Home visiting programs are more important now than ever given the state’s high rate of maternal and infant mortality, especially black and brown families that are disproportionately affected. … Programs like family connects will play a key role in closing these gaps, specifically by bringing care directly to the family at their home or at a location that’s most comfortable for them,” said Shelby Wynn with the New Orleans Health Department.

With potential federal cuts to Medicaid, the New Orleans Health Department is stepping up to ensure new mothers and families get the medical attention, emotional support and resources that they need during the crucial postpartum period.

“One way they do that is our nurses screen using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale. The scale identify signs of postpartum depression and anxiety. Then based on that score, our nurses will then make referrals that help mothers with accessing services,” said Wynn

Nurses also provide reassurance, education and practical advice on baby care, breastfeeding and self-care for moms. The program offers up to three free in-home visits for parents of newborns up to 12 weeks old who live in Orleans Parish and gave birth at Ochsner Baptist or Touro Hospital.

“Studies that we’re currently conducting with Tulane University and additionally, studies that have been conducted by Duke University, show show that families participating in home visiting programs can utilize health care services more efficiently. and this reduces the overall Medicaid expenses,” said Wynn.

Studies have found that for every $1 invested, there is an over $3 reduction in hospital billing.

Any family can participate, no matter their income, insurance or immigration status.

Latest Posts: