FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Julie Town

Thursday, November 3, 2005 661-9430

COI Receives Grant for Prenatal Home Visiting Program

Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI) officials have announced that a program to provide in-home nursing services for pregnant women who have been identified as having a low or moderate risk pregnancy has received funding from the Maternity & Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. The $45,000 grant will sustain the Prenatal Home Visiting Program. The objectives of the program include assuring healthy birth outcomes and increasing parenting knowledge and skills.

Health Services Division Department Head Julie Town said, “With a declining tax base in Chautauqua County, there are few resources for much needed services including health care for women and children. Through this program, we are able to help future moms and their children have a healthier start at life. The fewer health problems a child has after being born, the greater the likelihood that the child will have a healthy beginning in preparation for school readiness and success.”

The Prenatal Home Visiting Program maximizes the benefits for customers by providing a single point of entry for a number of health services provided by COI. A two-tiered assessment process is conducted to address any issues the customer may be dealing with at the time of intake. If there are crisis issues identified then necessary referrals are made to assist in stabilizing the situation either internally or externally. The second tier assessment focuses on the assessment, implementation and monitoring of the individualized care plan. The care plan is continually updated through subsequent home visits based on the level of success attaining the initial goals. Screenings are completed to assess the customer’s knowledge base relating to infant development, nutrition and parenting.

The Prenatal Home Visiting Program is integrated into existing Maternal and Child Health Services within COI. Services include supplemental nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women and children, prenatal support services, various insurance options through Facilitated Enrollment, outreach, advocacy, breastfeeding counseling and peer support, and access to healthcare through existing partnerships within the community.

Direct services and activities include the provision of education and case management services for the early identification of risks and the development of the care plan that strengthens the mother’s involvement in her own and baby’s healthcare both during and after pregnancy.

For more information, contact Chautauqua Opportunities’ Health Services at 661-9430 or 366-8176.

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