THOT member Parkland Health reaches beyond the walls of its hospital to support patients in their communities.
The hospital recently launched a postnatal nurse home visitor program, where Parkland nurses visit mothers and their newborns in their homes to provide support and conduct comprehensive physical, social, and psychological assessments to ensure they have everything they need in the critical weeks after delivery.
The program also includes connecting new mothers with education and resources on topics like breastfeeding, child development, and nutrition to foster a healthy postpartum experience.
“Parkland continues to find new and exciting ways to reach outside of the hospital and bring expert care directly where their community members need it,” said Maureen Milligan, Ph.D., Teaching Hospitals of Texas CEO. “Our public and teaching hospitals are always finding ways to keep people healthier and out of the emergency department and inpatient setting, and I congratulate Parkland on creating new opportunities to advance that work.”
In March of this year, the state extended postpartum Medicaid eligibility from two months to 12 months, providing vital coverage and support for moms and babies.
From Parkland Health’s press release:
Through this program, Parkland nurses visit mothers and newborns in their home, serving as a crucial touchpoint for families, offering support and resources tailored to their needs. This universal approach aims to address the heightened demand for nurse home visits.
Recognizing the importance of reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and positive health outcomes for both mother and child, the program focuses on comprehensive assessments of both maternal and child well-being. Through regular home visits, registered nurses assess physical, social and psychological health, providing necessary referrals and resources to promote overall wellness.
“The Postnatal Nurse Home Visiting program is a valuable service for at-risk communities, promoting the health and well-being of both mothers and their children,” said Carmen Bowling, DNP, RN, Senior Vice President, Women & Infants Specialty Health (WISH) at Parkland.
