Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties

Family Connects Oregon is a free evidence-based, nurse home visiting program for all families with newborns. Because all babies deserve the healthiest possible start.

The Family Connects Oregon program provides between one and three nurse home visits to a family beginning at about three weeks of age. There are no eligibility requirements, participation is voluntary and encouraged, and there is no cost to the family for the visit. Foster families and those adopting babies are also welcome to participate in this program. The Family Connects Oregon program is being offered in partnership with Pollywog and the Health Departments in Lincoln, Linn, and Benton counties on behalf of the Oregon Health Authority.

How the Program Works: After you deliver your baby, the Maternity Ward nurses will speak to you about accepting a Family Connects visit, and you can request that one of the Nurse Home Visitors come to your bedside and speak to you about the visit and what it entails. (Currently, only telehealth visits are being scheduled due to Covid-19 restrictions.) If you agree to the visits, the appointment will be scheduled for approximately three weeks later.

When the Nurse Home Visitor arrives in your home, they will check on

  • Weight and Measurements
    Health History
    Vaccinations
    Medications
    Vitamin D shots
    Parent Concerns
    Feeding History
    Lactation concerns
    Formula preparation and storage
    Pumping and storage

  • Health History
    Prenatal CareLabor & Delivery Postpartum Recovery
    Current Concerns
    Vaccinations / Medications
    Postnatal Visits
    Family Planning
    Lactation Concerns
    Emergency Warning Signs

  • Attachment and Bonding
    Insurance in place
    Pediatrician in place
    Regular, Respite and Emergency Care
    Food and Financial Security
    Diapers, Crib, Car Seats, Clothes Smoke and CO2 Detectors
    Safety in Neighborhood

Research shows that 94% of families who participate in the nurse home visits report additional needs after the birth of a child, including needs for specific education, recommendations, or community service referrals. All families benefit from the supportive guidance provided by Family Connects nurses. Our mission is to connect you with resources that nurture your whole family and support your child. It’s about planting seeds for the future. Together, we’re growing healthy babies!

For more information about Family Connects Oregon in Linn, Lincoln and Benton Counties,
click here: https://pollywogfamily.org/family-connects-oregon/.

County Contact Information:

  • Laura Jimenez
    Linn County Health Department
    ljimenez@co.linn.or.us
    (541) 967-3888 ext. 2489

  • Kelly Liles
    Lincoln County Health & Human Services
    kliles@co.lincoln.or.us
    (541) 265-0457

  • Melissa Murphy
    Benton County Health Department
    melissa.murphy@co.benton.or.us
    (541) 760-1834