Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Foundation awarded $220,000 grant to support Family Connects
A grant funding free in-home visits and health checks for newborns and their mothers will support families across Forsyth County.
The Family Connects Novant Health (FCNH) program will extend more than a few helping hands to mothers and their babies throughout Forsyth County, thanks to a generous $220,000 grant awarded by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. Under this program, free postnatal nurse home visits are available to all mothers and babies in Forsyth County, regardless of their economic standing or family environment.
Nurses are equipped to provide mothers with services such as enhancing breastfeeding techniques, weighing the baby, managing a child’s crying, helping parents bond with their new child, assessing parents’ physical and mental health and supporting parents as they return to work. Family Connects even facilitates connections to a number of community resources, such as nearby playgroups and support groups.
“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 Kate B. Reynold Charitable Trust has supported Family Connects since its inception in 2016. Ongoing grant support has enabled the FCNH team to complete more than 5,000 integrated home visits offering timely services all new mothers need postpartum.
Novant Health’s team of resident nurses know that supporting young children and their families early enables those individuals to flourish and thrive independently. Family Connects makes accessing quality health care possible, from birth and beyond.
“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.”
To learn more about the Novant Health Family Connects program, please visit Novant Health Family Connects.
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