Funding provides continued support for universal postnatal nurse home visiting program launched in 2016
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust recently awarded a $220,000 grant to the Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Foundation to support the Family Connects Novant Health (FCNH) program. The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust has supported the program since its inception in 2016.
The FCNH program provides free postnatal nurse home visit services for mothers and babies from Forsyth County. Over the years, the program has provided support for thousands of mothers and babies and connected families to nurturing community resources.
“In 2016, the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust provided a generous grant to help Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center introduce Family Connects postnatal nurse home visit services in Forsyth County,” said Ann Caulkins, senior vice president of the Novant Health Foundation. “With additional support from The Duke Endowment and Forsyth Medical Center, the service has been offered to all Forsyth County mothers who give birth at Forsyth County medical centers. We are grateful to the Reynolds Trust for this additional year of funding to ensure that Family Connects Novant Health Forsyth County families receive the support they need.”
The impact of the program is widespread. “As a mother and an OB/GYN physician caring for the women of our community, I’ve seen firsthand the phenomenal support Family Connects Novant Health provides for growing families,” said Dr. Pam Oliver, executive vice president and president of Novant Health’s physician network. “Supporting healthy families is one of the most impactful ways that we can improve the health of our communities, and Novant Health is committed to the continued support of Family Connects and comprehensive care for all families.”
The Family Connects program offers a range of services, including:
• Weighing the baby
• Teaching mothers breastfeeding techniques
• Managing a child’s crying
• Helping parents bond with their new child
• Directing parents to nearby playgroups and support groups
• Assessing the parents’ physical and mental health
• Offering support as parents prepare to go back to work
Since 2016, the FCNH team has completed more than 5,000 integrated home visits.
“Through our Great Expectations initiative, the trust is deeply committed to ensuring Forsyth County’s youngest residents are prepared for success in school and life by the time they complete kindergarten, and we know access to quality health services is critical to that success,” said Joe Crocker, director of Local Impact in Forsyth County at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. “Family Connects is one way to support a safe, healthy start for children and their families, especially those who may not have access to the resources or services they need to thrive. We are excited Novant Health sees Family Connects as an integral part of how they support babies and their families from the earliest days of a child’s life.”
For more information about Family Connects Novant Health, visit NovantHealth.org/forsyth-medical-center/services/womens-health/maternity/family-connects.aspx.
About Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largest private trusts in North Carolina. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of financially-disadvantaged residents in North Carolina. The Health Improvement in North Carolina program area supports community-wide health solutions across the state. The Local Impact in Forsyth County program area fosters equitable and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life in Forsyth County. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as sole trustee.
###
Subscribe