According to the Children’s Trust of SC, less than 10% of eligible families are benefitting from home visiting services.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Wednesday, state leaders showed their support for an executive budget request for maternal and infant mortality programs. Through these programs, mothers would have voluntary home visits to help throughout their pregnancy.
“A lot of things I needed financial assistance with, for example, and they had an opportunity where you applied for a scholarship, so I did my essay and was able to get funds for my schooling, which helped me a whole lot,” said Jhayiah Robinson
Robinson is a mother who participated in a home visiting program and, after three years, is now helping mothers who are in the same position she was in.
“Because I experienced certain things, I know what to expect and how to help them, so I let them know that being a living experience, you can get through it. It’s going to be okay,” Robinson said.
Home visiting programs help mothers with health concerns, child development tips and even school preparedness. Families can be referred by an obstetrician and gynecologist, social worker, or even self referred.
“I tell moms this. You’re not just getting a nurse today. You’re getting a social worker that’s available to you, You’re getting a lactation consultant that’s available to you. You’re getting financial resources that we provide. So anyone can learn and anyone can benefit from a program like this,” nurse home visitor Annette Jensen said.
According to a recent report by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the infant mortality rate increased 12% from 2020-2021. With a program expansion, Children’s Trust hopes to decrease this number.
“If the General Assembly makes a financial investment of $250,000 to Children’s Trust for the purpose of home visiting, that money will be matched three to one by the federal government,” Senator Katrina Shealy said.
With this funding, Children’s Trust says they are ready to serve more communities across the state.
“Through our network of qualified and experienced providers, we currently reach 39 counties, and they are ready to expand this proven prevention strategy to work with more families in South Carolina,” Sue William, CEO of Children’s Trust South Carolina, said.
Source: WLTX
