VNA Maternal Child Programs
Providing support for vulnerable women, children, and families during pregnancy and beyond.
Maternal Child Health Programs
At the VNA of St. Luke’s, we believe that strong families build healthy communities. Our Maternal Child Health Programs are designed to support parents and children during critical life stages, providing guidance, resources, are care tailored to each family’s unique needs. From prenatal education to mental health support, our evidence-based programs empower families to thrive.
Our Programs
NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP
The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a free, voluntary, evidence-based opportunity that pairs specially trained registered nurses with economically disadvantaged mothers early in pregnancy and through the first two years of their child’s life. The nurses offer guidance on prenatal care, child development, and life skills, empowering mothers to create a brighter future for their families.
Program Goals:
- Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
- Improve Child Health and Development
- Improve Families’ Economic Self-Sufficiency
Eligibility and Referral
- Currently Pregnant
- Income below 235% Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Resident of Lehigh or Northampton County
For more information on enrolling or to make a referral use our St. Luke's Find Help, call us at 484-526-2786 or email at nfp@sluhn.org.
Get Involved Today
Make a lasting impact! NFP depends on local community investment and support, consider making a donation or joining our NFP Community Advisory Board (CAB) to help guide and expand our efforts to create healthier, stronger families in our community.
Express your interest in joining our CAB by emailing nfp@sluhn.org
More information on the program can be found on the national website: Nurse-Family Partnership - Helping First-Time Parents Succeed
MOVING BEYOND DEPRESSION
Moving Beyond Depression (MBD) provides mothers involved in our Nurse-Family Partnership program who are experiencing major depression access to In-Home Cognitive Behavior Therapy (IH-CBT). This evidence-based program helps women overcome barriers to accessing mental health treatment such as transportation and childcare and provides a therapist to meet them where they are. Enrolled mothers receive 15 weekly treatment sessions and a booster session one month following the 15th session. Model research shows that 70% of mothers who completed the program no longer met the criteria for major depressive disorder at the end of treatment. Mothers who participate in MBD report:
- Fewer and less severe depressive symptoms
- Improved coping with stress
- Increased social support
- More satisfaction in the parenting role
Referral and Eligibility
Currently, mothers are identified for entry into MBD by their NFP Nurse Home Visitor. As philanthropic and funding opportunities allow we do hope to expand the scope of this program in the future.
VISITING NURSE ADVOCATE FOR THE COUNTY
The Visiting Nurse Advocate for the County (VNAC) nurses provide intensive case management supports to high-risk families by addressing medical, social, and environmental factors that impact children. These nurses work with caregivers through in-home visits to achieve three main program goals. These goals include:
- Improving the safety of the living environment for the child
- Improving parenting education and skill
- Ensuring the child’s health and medical needs are met.
VNAC nurses serve as advocates for the child, and also provide nurse consultation services to Lehigh and Northampton county Offices of Children and Youth Services as requested.
Referral and Eligibility
Referrals to the VNAC program come directly from the Lehigh and Northampton County Offices of Children and Youth Services.