UPMC Nurse-Family Partnership Celebrates Families with “Dream Big Celebration” Walk-Through Party

October 5, 2022

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC’s Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) in central Pennsylvania celebrated another year of the program and family successes with a special walk-through event in Harrisburg on Thursday, Sept. 21.

UPMC's Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) in Central Pa. provides critical medical and social support to income-eligible, pregnant patients during their pregnancies and the first two years of their children's life. The program is free, and participants work with a highly trained personal nurse who provides a personal touch through home visits to offer support, answer questions and connect the participant with resources available in the community. The program is assisting 437 families in 2022, a significant increase from 377 families in 2021.

“This is an evidence-based program committed to supporting families across our five-county region here in central Pennsylvania” said Susan Brackbill, program manager, UPMC Nurse-Family Partnership in Central Pa. “We serve 437 families in our five-county region here in central Pennsylvania, and this celebration helps bring the families together to share their stories and celebrate their successes. It's a privilege to celebrate with the families every year.”

The program is based on the idea that disadvantage starts during pregnancy and early childhood. Improving parenting skills and maternal and child health has been shown to improve children’s well-being later in life, which could help break the cycle of inequality.

During this free event, families were treated to special care packages celebrating their participation in the program and had the opportunity to receive information on safe sleep and have their car seats’ safety checked by certified child passenger safety technicians. Children and parents were also treated to ice cream during the party.

“We are working very hard to create awareness for this program in our community. We want anyone who qualifies to come forward and partner with us for better outcomes for the families we serve and the betterment of our communities at large,” said Brackbill.

For more information on UPMC’s Nurse-Family Partnership in Central Pa., visit UPMC.com or call 717-782-2335.