OSDH Children First Program Celebrates 25 Years of Service to Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Children First is a voluntary program for first-time moms where a specially trained public health nurse will make home visits throughout a pregnancy up until a baby is two years old, at no charge, for those who qualify.

Data show outcomes of moms who participate in the program carry their baby to full term, initiate breastfeeding, keep their baby up-to-date with wellness exams and complete all immunizations by 24 months.

To recognize the past and present Children First staff, clients and advocates, a celebration event will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Strata Tower at Oklahoma Commons Outdoor Pavilion. The event is free and open to the public.

“I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish for Oklahoma families over the past 25 years,” said Susan Wegrzynski, the Nurse Consultant for Children First. “We are thankful for the research done by Dr. David Olds, who created the “Olds Model” now known as Nurse-Family Partnership, that we follow, and for the 1996 Oklahoma State Legislature that authorized legislation to create Children First, which led to implementation in 1997 at several pilot sites in the state.”

Currently there are approximately 70 nurse home visitors and nurse supervisors who are spread out across the state in 46 counties.

Those attending and speaking at the event include keynote speaker Dr. David Olds, former legislators Ben Brown and Ben Robinson, Commissioner of Health, Keith Reed and others.

For more information about Children First or eligibility for the program visit, https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/children---family-health/family-support-and-prevention-service/children-first-program.html.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

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