David Olds congratulates BC Healthy Connections Project

December 18, 2014

December 2014 marks the first anniversary of the launch of the randomized controlled trial of Nurse-Family Partnership in BC.

Known as the BC Healthy Connections Project, this study evaluates the effectiveness of Nurse-Family Partnership – an intensive home visiting program that aims to improve early childhood mental health and development – in comparison with BC’s existing health and social services.

Nurse-Family Partnership gives disadvantaged young women who are preparing to parent for the first time one-on-one home visits with public health nurses throughout their pregnancy. These visits continue until children reach their second birthday.

One thousand mothers-to-be are being enrolled across the province. Half will receive Nurse-Family Partnership while the others will receive the services typically provided by their Health Authority. Then, then the two groups will be compared.

Developed in the US more than 30 years ago by David Olds, a Colorado-based researcher, the program is now being adopted and evaluated around the world with his support.

Today, he provides a video message of congratulations to organizers, nurses and participants.

Please click the link above to hear David Old’s message.

Note that NFP is available only through the BC Healthy Connections Project (BCHCP) for the duration of recruitment. Practitioners or young pregnant women can click here for details on how to reach public health and determine eligibility for the BCHCP.