New Orleans has implemented Family Connects New Orleans, a program that dispatches registered nurses to conduct home visits for new mothers and their newborns. This initiative aims to address Louisiana's high rates of pre-term births, unnecessary C-sections, and maternal and infant deaths, as identified by organizations like the March of Dimes and the United Health Foundation.
Program Operations
New mothers residing in New Orleans are eligible for up to three complimentary home visits from Family Connects nurses. During these visits, nurses monitor the infant's health through examinations, weighing, and measuring. They also assess the mother's health and well-being, providing practical assistance with newborn care, such as breastfeeding and safe breastmilk storage. Furthermore, nurses offer referrals to other community resources and discuss essential family needs like food security and safe gun storage.
The program was launched by New Orleans health director Dr. Jennifer Avegno in 2023, drawing inspiration from a similar model established in Durham, North Carolina, in 2008 in partnership with Duke University. The services are provided universally, without regard to a family's insurance status or income level.
Demonstrated Impact
Early research from Tulane University indicates that families participating in Family Connects New Orleans are more likely to adhere to recommended pediatric and postpartum checkup schedules. Data also suggests a reduction in hospitalizations for both mothers and babies, alongside decreased healthcare expenditures for families covered by Medicaid. National studies of Family Connects programs, such as in North Carolina, have shown a 50% decrease in emergency room visits for infants within their first year.
A significant finding is the program's role in the early detection of postpartum depression. Approximately 10% of participating mothers were diagnosed with postpartum depression, compared to 6% of non-participating mothers, facilitating timelier treatment.
Legislative Support and Funding
The postpartum home visit program has garnered bipartisan support within Louisiana. In 2025, the Republican-dominated state legislature passed a law mandating private insurance plans to cover these visits. State Representative Mike Bayham (R), who sponsored the legislation, cited the bill as evidence of commitment to the comprehensive well-being of mothers and newborns.
The annual operational cost for Family Connects in New Orleans is estimated at $1.5 million, translating to about $700 per birth. Research on comparable programs suggests a positive economic return, with an estimated $3.17 saved in healthcare billing for every $1 invested before the child reaches two years of age. Dr. Avegno is advocating for the program's inclusion in Louisiana's Medicaid program, which covers over 60% of births in the state.