This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
When I learned I was going to have a baby, I had only been off heroin for a short while.
I was connected to a nurse with the Nurse-Family Partnership program. She helped me to gain the confidence that I could be the best mom to my son. I have been clean for two and a half years because of this program. My nurse was there to help me stay healthy during a high-risk pregnancy, and always put me and my baby first. My son is now healthy and thriving.
My nurse helped me to set better goals for myself, to go back to school and better my life.
Other expectant moms are in dire need of Nurse-Family Partnership. The waiting list is long to enroll, and the Utah Department of Health is planning on ending investing in this program with federal funding. It could be a lifeline for new parents to change the life of their babies born into poverty.
Studies show the program saves money for taxpayers, because the baby has a healthier beginning and dangerous cycles are prevented. Our state should invest in these moms and babies to make our families and communities stronger.
Jessie West
American Fork