Category: FCI News

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), Family Connects International (Family Connects) is honoring the strength, resilience, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino families—while calling attention to persistent maternal health disparities that disproportionately affect women of color in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), significant racial and ethnic disparities persist in maternal health outcomes. Hispanic women experience higher rates of severe maternal morbidity—including complications such as hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders—compared to White women. Research also shows that women of color are more likely to report feeling unheard or dismissed by health care providers during pregnancy and postpartum care.

These disparities are not the result of individual choices, but of systemic gaps in access to care, continuity of services, and culturally responsive support—particularly after childbirth, when medical follow-up and community connection often decline.

“Maternal health equity begins with early connection,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects. “When mothers are supported early, listened to, and connected to care that respects their language, culture, and lived experience, outcomes improve—for mothers, babies, and communities.”

Disparities reflect gaps in postpartum care including but not limited to:

• Women of color experiencing delayed or inadequate postpartum follow-up.
• Hispanic and Latina mothers facing barriers related to language access, insurance coverage, and culturally aligned care.
• Mental health conditions—now a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths—going undetected or untreated.
• Structural barriers increases the risk of preventable complications during the postpartum period.

Family Connects is proud to partner with communities to deliver a universal, evidence-based nurse visiting model that supports every family after birth—helping reduce disparities by ensuring access to care is early, proactive, and inclusive.

More than a decade of research on the Family Connects Model shows reduced disparities across racial and ethnic groups in multiple maternal and infant health outcomes—demonstrating that equity-focused, universal approaches can close gaps that targeted programs alone often miss.

“Equity doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built into systems,” said Kim Friedman, Chief Program Officer at Family Connects. “By reaching families early and universally, we help ensure that mothers of color are supported, not overlooked.”

Honoring heritage, advancing Equity Hispanic Heritage Month means celebrating culture, history, and community—but it is also a call to action. Improving maternal health outcomes for Hispanic and Latina mothers requires sustained investment in prevention, early connection, and community-based care models that work.

Family Connects remains committed to advancing approaches that strengthen maternal mental health, reduce preventable complications, support families during critical life transitions, and build systems that serve all families equitably.

“When we invest in maternal health equity, we invest in the future of families and communities,” said Woodard. “Every mother deserves support that honors who she is and meets her where she is.”

During National Baby Safety Month, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is emphasizing a simple but critical truth: most infant injuries are preventable when families have early access to trusted guidance, education, and support.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injury is a leading cause of death for children in the United States. Each year, thousands of infants are hospitalized due to preventable injuries related to unsafe sleep environments, falls, burns, and choking hazards. The CDC also reports that approximately 3,400 infants die annually from sleep-related causes, highlighting the importance of safe sleep practices during the first year of life.

The first months of life—often called the “fourth trimester”—are a period of rapid learning for families. Parents and caregivers are adjusting to life with a newborn while navigating sleep deprivation, recovery, and new routines. During this time, even small safety gaps can pose risks.

“Baby safety isn’t about perfection—it’s about support,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects. “When families receive clear, compassionate guidance early, they’re better equipped to create safer home environments for their babies.”

Family Connects partners with communities to deliver a universal, evidence-based nurse home visiting model that reaches families shortly after birth—when safety education is most impactful. Topics include but are not limited to:

Safe Sleep

• Placing babies on their backs to sleep
• Using a firm mattress
• Keeping cribs free of loose items such as blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys

Choking Hazard Prevention

• Identifying small objects—anything that fits inside a toilet paper roll—as choking risks
• Ensuring button batteries and other small items are stored securely and out of reach

Car Seat Safety

• Selecting the right car seat for a baby’s age and size
• Ensuring proper installation and use using the SEAT approach: Select, Ensure, Adjust, Tighten

Home Safety

• Anchoring heavy furniture and televisions
• Covering electrical outlets
• Using baby gates on stairs
• Securing blind and curtain cords

“Families don’t always realize how many safety decisions they’re making every day,” said Alain Glen, Chief of Nursing at Family Connects. “Our nurses help families identify risks early and make small changes that have a big impact.”

And it’s important to create safety through support—not fear. National Baby Safety Month is an opportunity to move beyond fear-based messaging and toward prevention through partnership. By meeting families at home, nurses can tailor guidance to real-life settings, reduce overwhelm, strengthen caregiver confidence, and prevent injuries before they occur.

This September, Family Connects calls on health systems, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to invest in early, nurse-led prevention strategies that support families during the most critical months of a child’s life.

“When families have the right information at the right time, babies are safer,” said Woodard. “Early support saves lives—and strengthens families for the long term.”

During Suicide Prevention Month, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is recognizing the power of early connection, compassionate support, and community-based care to prevent suicide—while drawing attention to an often-overlooked risk period: the months following childbirth.

Suicide prevention is rooted in one central truth: connection saves lives. For new mothers, the postpartum period can bring profound physical, emotional, and social changes. While many families experience joy during this transition, others face isolation, anxiety, depression, and overwhelming stress—often without adequate follow-up or support.

National data show that mental health conditions are among the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, with risk extending well beyond delivery. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing maternal mental health support during the postpartum period, when families are most vulnerable—and most receptive to help.

“Suicide prevention begins long before a crisis,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects. “For new mothers, prevention means being seen, supported, and connected during the months after birth—not left to navigate challenges alone.”

And the postpartum period provides a critical opportunity to address mental health challenges before they worsen. Challenges include: 

• Hormonal shifts and physical recovery
• Sleep deprivation and caregiving demands
• Changes in identity, relationships, and support systems
• Increased risk for postpartum depression and anxiety

When mental health needs go unrecognized or unmet during this time, risks can escalate. Conversely, early screening, trusted relationships, and timely connection to care are proven protective factors.

Family Connects Supports Maternal Mental Health and Suicide Prevention by provide the right support at the right time through:

• Screening for postpartum depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.
• Connecting mothers directly to behavioral health care, primary care, and community support systems.
• Providing universal access, reducing stigma, and ensuring support reaches families regardless of income, race, or background.
• Strengthening protective factors, including social support and continuity of care.

Research on the Family Connects Model shows that mothers were significantly less likely to experience possible postpartum depression or anxiety when supported early, key risk factors associated with suicidal ideation.

“Prevention is about building protective systems around families,” said Kim Friedman, Chief Program Officer at Family Connects. “When mothers feel supported and connected, the risk of crisis decreases.”

Suicide prevention is not solely an individual issue—it is a public health and systems responsibility. For mothers, this means ensuring that mental health support begins early, continues beyond a single postpartum visit, and is accessible, culturally responsive, and family centered.

This September, Family Connects joins partners nationwide in honoring prevention efforts and reaffirming a commitment to early, compassionate support for mothers and families.

“Every mother deserves to feel supported, valued, and hopeful,” said Woodard. “When we strengthen maternal mental health, we strengthen families—and we save lives.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting **988**, or via chat at 988lifeline.org. Support is available in English and Spanish, with translation services for other languages.

Family Connects International (Family Connects) was granted reaccreditation for nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) in July from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This reaccreditation demonstrates our commitment to using evidence-based criteria when developing high-quality educational activities that promote the professional growth of nurses.  

With this reaccreditation, Family Connects joins an internationally recognized community of organizations committed to advancing nursing excellence through rigorous continuing professional development that is grounded in evidence, evaluated for impact, and designed to improve patient care. 

“Nurses are at the heart of creating a continuum of care for families in immediate period following birth, so every family with a newborn has the strongest start possible,” said Jade Woodard, President and CEO of Family Connects. “This recognition reflects our commitment to ensuring every Family Connects nurse has access to the highest-quality professional education so they can confidently deliver evidence-based care during one of the most important moments in a family’s life. Investing in nurses is one of the most powerful ways we can improve maternal and infant health nationwide.” 

ANCC NCPD Accreditation™ elevates educational offerings that benefit our nurses, and the patients and communities we serve, by: 

• Promoting the highest professional standards to sustain effective strategies that improve professional nursing practice 

• Improving curricula for nurses to provide evidence-based education that strengthen professional development programs 

• Increasing credibility­ to adhere to evidence-based, global standards that deliver quality professional education   

• Expanding visibility to be included among other accredited organizations that are listed in a nationwide, searchable directory 

• Increasing demand to offer continuing professional development contact hours that are essential to building professional portfolios, and maintaining certification and accreditation from ANCC and other licensing boards and regulatory bodies  

The ANCC NCPD Accreditation™ model is based on the original Donabedian framework of structure, process, and outcome measures to evaluate quality. The ANCC NCPD™ standards provide organizations with a structured, evidence-based framework to design and implement NCPD activities. The development of quality outcomes ensures that accredited organizations are continuously evaluating processes and their impact on the professional development of nurses.  

For more information on the ANCC NCPD Accreditation™ Program, visit www.nursingworld.org/ncpd  

National Breastfeeding Month Highlights the Importance of Supporting Mothers—Not Just Feeding Methods 

During National Breastfeeding Month, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is elevating the importance of supporting mothers with accurate guidance, compassionate care, and timely access to lactation support during the early weeks following birth. 

This year’s 2026 theme, “RISE: Resilience, Interdependence, Self-Determination, Empowerment,” calls attention to the importance of uplifting families and communities through meaningful, responsive support. 

Breastfeeding can offer important health benefits for both infants and mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods as desired thereafter. However, many families face significant barriers to meeting these goals—often due to lack of early, hands-on support. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 84% of U.S. infants are ever breastfed and nearly 25% are exclusively breastfed at six months. These statistics highlight a reality for parents in the US: breastfeeding challenges are common, and support—rather than intention—is often the determining factor in whether families can continue. 

“Breastfeeding support should never feel like pressure,” said Alain Glen, Chief of Nursing at Family Connects. “Families thrive when they are informed, supported, and respected—whatever their feeding journey looks like.” 

Thankfully, early support can make a difference with:  

• Difficulty latching or positioning 

• Concerns about milk supply or infant weight gain 

• Physical discomfort or pain 

• Fatigue, stress, and maternal mental health concerns 

Both the CDC and AAP consistently note that early, individualized breastfeeding support—especially in the days and weeks after birth—is associated with longer breastfeeding duration and improved maternal confidence. 

The Family Connects Model proudly supports infant feeding and maternal well-being by: 

• Providing evidence-based guidance on infant feeding, including breastfeeding and safe formula feeding. 

• Identifying feeding challenges early, before they escalate into stress, early cessation, or medical concerns. 

• Connecting mothers to lactation consultants, peer support groups, and health care providers as needed. 

• Offering family-centered and nonjudgmental care by recognizing that feeding decisions are deeply personal. 

• Supporting maternal mental health alongside infant nutrition. 

“Supporting feeding means supporting the whole family,” said Kim Friedman, Chief Program Officer at Family Connects. “When mothers feel confident and supported, infants benefit—and so does long-term family well-being.” 

It’s important to recognize breastfeeding support Is a Public Health issue. The World Health Organization emphasizes that breastfeeding outcomes are shaped not only by individual choice, but by systems of care, workplace policies, access to skilled support, and community norms. By offering universal postpartum nurse visits and direct connections to community-based lactation and health resources, the Family Connects Model helps reduce disparities and ensures that support reaches families early—when it matters most. 

For National Breastfeeding Month, Family Connects calls on health systems, policymakers, funders, and community partners to invest in early, accessible, and family-centered breastfeeding and lactation support that honors maternal well-being alongside infant health. 

“When we support mothers early—without judgment and with the right resources—we strengthen families for the long term,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director at Family Connects. “And that support is essential to healthy beginnings.”  connect them early to community care—we strengthen the future for everyone,” said Woodard. “That is what prevention, equity, and community well-being truly look like.” 

Family Connects Seeks Policy Strategy Consultant

Family Connects is accepting proposals to develop and guide a federal policy strategy. As an organization dedicated to transforming care for all families in the postpartum period, we partner to offer nurse visits, ensuring every family has access to healthcare, guidance, and connection. We are at a pivotal moment and seek a consulting partner to help us build upon our federal legislative and agency efforts to create a clear, actionable plan for implementation in the 120th Congress. 

Our ideal partner will help us identify and develop a roadmap to navigate the congressional funding landscape by demonstrating relevant policy expertise, strong bipartisan relationships, a comprehensive approach, and alignment with Family Connects’ priorities. The primary objectives of this engagement include: 

• Written strategic plan 
• Recommended federal funding pathway 
• Prioritized stakeholder and champion engagement plan 
• Supporting materials that FCI can use to guide internal decision-making and external advocacy. 

Important RFP Details: 

Proposal Submission Deadline: 5:00 PM ET on August 14, 2026 

Projected Contract Start Date: September 2026 

Submission Instructions: Submit your electronic proposal to jordan@familyconnects.org. 

Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to Jordan Wildermuth, Senior Policy Director at  jordan@familyconnects.org. 

Family Connects Seeks Board Governance Consultant

Family Connects is inviting proposals from qualified Board Governance Consultants to support the continued evolution of our Board of Directors as we advance our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.

Since launching as an independent nonprofit in 2022, Family Connects has expanded the evidence-based Family Connects Model to more than 94 communities across 21 states, helping connect families with newborns to the care and community resources they need to thrive.

As our organization continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced consultant to partner with our Board and executive leadership to strengthen governance practices, enhance board engagement, and develop a strategic approach to future board recruitment and composition.

The selected consultant may support activities such as:

• Advising on governance structures and board culture that support a growing national nonprofit.
• Helping define the board’s desired future composition, skills, and engagement expectations.
• Developing a strategic board recruitment process and pipeline aligned with Family Connects long-term vision.

The engagement is expected to begin in mid-August 2026 in preparation for Family Connects September Board Retreat in Durham, North Carolina.

Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Interested firms should submit a brief proposal outlining their experience with board governance consulting for growth-stage organizations, their proposed approach, key project staff, references, and budget.

Submit proposals to: boardliaison@familyconnects.org

We look forward to partnering with a consultant who can help strengthen our governance and position Family Connects for continued national impact.

Family Connects’ Strategic Plan to Envision a National Standard for Postpartum Care 

Family Connects is announcing the launch of its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, marking a new chapter in the organization’s evolution under President & CEO Jade Woodard’s leadership. The plan articulates a bold aspiration to ensure every family with a newborn is supported, connected, and confident as they navigate the early postpartum period together. 

Grounded in more than a decade of research and implementation, the plan builds on the Family Connects Model and nationwide reach to lead the organization toward its next phase of impact: advancing newborn nurse visits a as a national standard of care for each and every growing family. 

Over the past year, Family Connects has aligned its growth, partnerships, and national voice around a singular goal: ensuring support after birth is built into the systems that serve families. 

“Families are strongest when they receive the right support at the right time,” said Jade Woodard, President & CEO of Family Connects. “Over the past year, we’ve focused on how to ensure that support is expected, accessible, and built into the systems that serve families.” 

Since 2017, the Family Connects model has supported more than 155,000 families across 21 states in 94 communities, demonstrating improved maternal and child health outcomes, as well as reduced emergency medical care use and rates of CPS involvement. 

To further a national standard of postpartum care, the strategic plan elevates five priorities: 

• Building organizational capacity for scale, quality, and trust  

• Diversifying funding and strengthening champions  

• Advancing partnerships, policy, and systems integration  

• Leveraging research, learning, and innovation  

• Establishing a national standard for postpartum nurse visiting  

As maternal health challenges persist and systems of care remain difficult to navigate, Family Connects’ strategy calls for coordinated, accessible solutions that provide support before challenges become crises—for all families with newborns. 

“We are entering a moment of both urgency and opportunity,” Woodard added. “This plan reflects both the strength of our foundation and our commitment to advancing the field.” 

For more information, visit familyconnects.org/strategic-plan

“Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in North Carolina are preventable.”

During the NC Black Maternal Health Day of Action, Family Connects Board Member Dr. Michele Benoit-Wilson delivered a powerful message about the urgent need to address maternal health disparities and improve postpartum care for families. She highlighted how systemic barriers, implicit bias, gaps in access to care, and limited postpartum support continue to impact maternal health outcomes—particularly for Black women.

Dr. Benoit-Wilson emphasized the importance of evidence-based solutions, including postpartum nurse home visiting programs that help identify health concerns, connect families to resources, and ensure parents receive the support they need during one of the most critical periods for maternal and infant health.

We are proud to have Dr. Benoit-Wilson’s leadership on the Family Connects Board of Directors and grateful for her advocacy on behalf of families, communities, and policies that promote birth equity and healthier outcomes for all.