ROCKFORD — Winnebago County has launched a new initiative to improve maternal and newborn health by offering free home visits from public health nurses. The program, Winning Start Winnebago, will support families planning a pregnancy, expecting a baby, or caring for a newborn by connecting them with resources and promoting healthy pregnancies and child development.
Starting in July, every newborn and their family in the county will receive a visit from a public health nurse, regardless of where the baby is delivered. The program is open to foster, adopted, and bereaved parents as well.
Funded by a $300,000 state grant, the initiative is part of Governor JB Pritzker’s birth equity program and aims to support families at higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. In addition to home visits, the program will provide access to certified doulas, with a scholarship training program to expand doula services.
The program builds on partnerships with local organizations such as Brightpoint, Easterseals, and YWCA – La Voz Latina. Emily Klonicki, executive director of Alignment Rockford, said, “Investing in our youngest residents is key to our community’s future.”
The program follows the Family Connects International model, which has proven successful in other areas, reducing emergency room visits and hospital stays for babies. Studies show that for every dollar spent, $3.17 in hospital costs are saved. The initiative also improves access to infant learning materials and community resources for families.
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