The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) works with low-income women who are pregnant with their first child, to help them achieve healthier pregnancies and births, stronger child development, and a path toward economic self-sufficiency. As Democrats, we support this initiative. Cindi Richardson is the Program Coordinator for NFP at the Panhandle Health District. She will introduce the Democratic Club to the mission and services provided by the NFP. In addition, she will also introduce the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program.NFP’s free, voluntary program partners first-time moms with registered nurses in Kootenai, Bonner, Boundary, Benewah and Shoshone counties. Through regular visits, the nurses provide the mothers with support, education, guidance and encouragement during pregnancy and until the child turns 2 years of age.
NFP encourages first-time moms to enroll as early as possible. In addition, the program promotes participation from fathers, family members and even friends in order to learn how they can best support mom and her baby.
PAT shares the vision that all children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential. The PAT model’s design supports any community and any family during the crucial early years of a child’s life.
Cindi Richardson chose nursing as a second career and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1996. She received her degree from the Samuel Merritt/St. Mary’s Intercollegiate Nursing Program in California. Her background has been in the hospital, hospice and home health settings, and she is delighted to now be working in the public health sector supporting a team of nurses in the Nurse-Family Partnership program. Cindi and her husband have raised three wonderful sons and now spend time exploring trails and mountains.
