Home visiting program nets $4M

The Health Resources and Services Administration announced nearly $4 million in Missouri funding to support the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program. Nationally, $345 million in funding was awarded to 55 states, territories and nonprofit organizations.

According to a news release, these funds allow grantees to continue to expand voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to women during pregnancy and to parents with young children up to kindergarten entry.

“The Federal Home Visiting Program helps parents connect with services and resources,” said Dr. Michael Lu, HRSA associate administrator for the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, in the release. “In these voluntary programs, trained nurses, social workers, early childhood educators or other trained professionals meet regularly with expectant parents or families with young children in their homes.”

The home visiting program provides support for preventive health and prenatal practices, such as helping mothers reduce use of tobacco.