BRIDGE

A Good Idea

Description

BRIDGE (Birthing Readiness: Individualized Development and Growth through Education) offers a home-based visitation program utilizing a prenatal care experienced public health nurse to provide individualized education in a family-centered model. The program is designed for pregnant teens, and focuses on "bridging the gap" between education typically offered in the clinic setting and childbirth preparation classes. The program follows a specific curriculum individualized to meet the client's own self-defined needs, and is implemented through a series of three home visits, scheduled during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This approach allows the client to seek information at her own pace and comprehension level, thereby increasing her sense of autonomy and encouraging her active participation. Clients are encouraged to include the identified supportive persons (usually the father of the baby, sometimes parents) as desired.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to educate teen parents about pregnancy, birthing, and parenting.

Results / Accomplishments

In 24 months, 138 teen women received 311 BRIDGE visits.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Elyria City Health Department
Primary Contact
Kathryn Boylan, Health Commissioner
Elyria City Health District
202 Chestnut Street
Elyria, Ohio 44035
(440) 284-1551
http://www.elyriahealth.com/
Topics
Health / Adolescent Health
Health / Maternal, Fetal & Infant Health
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Organization(s)
Elyria City Health Department
Source
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Date of publication
2005
Location
Elyria, OH
For more details
Target Audience
Teens