TULSA, OK – [April 1, 2014] – Children of parents who have completed the Tulsa Health Department’s Children First program will participate in a special graduation ceremony during the annual Parents’ Day on Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church.
Children First is a family-centered program that utilizes home visits by registered nurses to help first-time mothers and their families prepare for parenthood through home visits, education and health assessments. Mothers receive information on promoting a healthy, safe lifestyle for their family while gaining a greater understanding of the types of help and resources available to them in the community. Regular home visits occur until the child is two years old and graduates out of the program.
“Parents’ Day is a special day for our Children First families,” said Cathy Sullivan, Children First program manager. “This is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of both the children and the parents who participate in the program. The program has an extraordinary track record of making an impact in the lives of the families who participate.”
Children First utilizes the Nurse-Family Partnership model to improve pregnancy outcomes, promote the health of young children, and break the cycle of poverty. In communities around the country, NFP has been proven to work with results showing significantly improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased maternal employment, decreased childhood injuries, neglect and abuse, and improvement in the child’s school readiness.
This year, Nurse-Family Partnership President and CEO Thomas R. Jenkins, Jr. will come all the way from Colorado to give a special presentation at Parents’ Day.
State legislators and health officials have been invited to attend the event which will include a light lunch. Local members of the media are invited to attend and can pre-arrange to interview a Children First family.
Click here for more information on how to enroll in the Children First program.
