Family Connects

Family Connects is an evidence-based model designed to support whole-person, integrated health for all families of newborns at a moment of life-changing transition. Family Connects nurses are trained to carefully assess newborns and mothers and discuss concrete next steps to address opportunities and concerns, including seeking immediate medical care when necessary. The nurses also keep the whole family in mind, recommending appropriate mental health services or medical care for other family members as needed—and they follow up to make sure families’ needs are met. 

The Family Connects model was established in 2008 through a partnership with the Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy, the Center for Child & Family Health, and the Durham County Health Department.  

According to a press release from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, “Family Connects will allow Ohio to offer support to every new mom and family right after they come home with their new baby, to answer questions or address concerns they may have, as well as connect them to any clinical or community support, they need,” said Governor DeWine. “Similar programs have a proven track record of reducing infant mortality. In places where these programs have been implemented, rates of child protective services investigations have decreased by 44 percent, and mothers showed a 30 percent drop in postpartum depression and a 50 percent reduction in emergency room visits.” 

Family Connects will offer all new families a nurse home visit around three weeks after the family brings their baby home. 

“For families who didn’t get connected to one of our Help Me Grow Home Visiting programs during their pregnancies, Family Connects offers us another opportunity to check in to ensure that both mom and the baby are doing well,” said Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente. “We hope these visits help get families the support they need and introduce them to the continuum of programs that the Department of Children and Youth, and our partners, can offer them through childhood.” 

This collaboration marks yet another significant step towards building stronger, healthier families. The Family Connects team at Greene County Public Health is excited about this new program, which will enrich lives, strengthen families, and nurture communities, one connection at a time. 

Program Breakdown

Help for Baby

  • Baby health check
  • Infant feeding and fussiness
  • Bathing, diapering and swaddling
  • Safe Sleep

Help for Mom

  • Mom's health check
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Family planning advice
  • Post-partum depression screening

Help for Family

  • Scheduling doctor's appointments
  • Understanding childcare options
  • Early literacy information
  • Community connections

If you are expecting or have recently delivered your baby, our team encourages you to scan the QR code below to schedule a nurse visit at no cost. For more information on the program: