Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), a program that pairs first-time mothers with a registered nurse, celebrated its 10th anniversary in October. Goodwill’s NFP supports the Indiana Department of Health’s campaign to reduce infant death, provide prenatal care and teach parents about smoking cessation, breastfeeding and safe sleep. 

Since its implementation in 2011, Goodwill’s NFP has served nearly 6,000 at-risk families in central and southern Indiana. At the onset of the pandemic, NFP Nurses began using telehealth technology and other digital tools to continue providing high-quality services to clients while ensuring the health and safety of moms and their babies.   

“Research indicates that in efforts to address problems like poverty, low education levels, and more, the greatest long-term benefits will come from providing the very best start for children,” said president and CEO of Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, Kent A. Kramer. “Goodwill's Nurse-Family Partnership is working to break those cycles and reduce the infant mortality rate in our state by supporting mothers and families across central and southern Indiana.”

To qualify for Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership, participants must be a first-time mother, less than seven months pregnant and eligible for federal and state assistance programs. 

"I was emotionally and physically exhausted, but my nurse was very supportive,” said Tenera Lloyd, recent Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership graduate. “It changed my life.” 

Highlights of Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership success include: 

• The service of 29 counties in central and southern Indiana. 
• 90% of NFP-enrolled Indiana babies are born full-term.
• To date, the program has ensured the best start for almost 4,000 babies. 
• For the third consecutive year, the state’s infant mortality rate decreased, dropping to 6.5 (deaths per 1,000 births) in 2019. 

To refer someone to Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership, contact nfp@goodwillindy.org or call 317.524.3999. For more information about outcomes and program details, visit goodwillindy.org/health.