An additional 100 new mothers will soon be able to participate in a free home visitation program that has been operating in Humboldt County for nearly three years.

According to a press release, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services’ Nurse-Family Partnership program will soon be expanding to both Del Norte and Siskiyou counties. The program is a nationwide one that matches low-income, first-time mothers with nurses.

As part of the program, new mothers meet weekly with a nurse, starting in the early stages of their pregnancy and until their child’s second birthday. Nurses provide support, education and counseling on health, behavioral and financial issues.

County Public Health Branch Deputy Director Barbara Howe said her department is pleased to provide a program that has proven results nationwide.

”In addition to the health benefits, we’re able to help families become more economically self-sufficient,” Howe said in a statement.

Currently, five nurses are working with more than 100 women throughout Humboldt. Under the new agreement, an additional 50 mothers will participate in Humboldt, and 25 will be added in both Siskiyou and Del Norte counties. The Del Norte, Siskiyou and Humboldt partnership is unique in that it is the only regional home visitation program in the state.

”Del Norte and Siskiyou counties don’t have a large enough population base to launch the program on their own,” Howe said. “We’re happy to be working with them in this new partnership.”

For more information about the Nurse-Family Partnership, call 268-2105.