HARRISBURG – To help improve the lives of low-income, first-time parents and their children, the Department of Public Welfare today said 37 counties will share nearly $12 million in grants to support the Pennsylvania Nurse-Family Partnership program.

Pocono Medical Center, in East Stroudsburg, will receive $424,234

“The Nurse-Family Partnership program provides low-income, first-time parents with support from pregnancy through the child’s first years so that both mom and baby have the opportunity to get off to a strong start,” said Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman. “Research has shown that proactive investments help to improve parenting skills and can reduce the risk that children will experience social or educational problems later in life.”

With the Nurse-Family Partnership grants, approximately 4,000 first-time mothers and their children will receive the benefits of in-home parent coaching services.

Through the program, registered nurses make regular visits to low-income, first-time mothers from pregnancy until the child is two years old. Registered nurses work with the expectant mothers to ensure a healthy pregnancy, to engage in activities with the baby that will promote healthy development, and to make plans for the future.