VNS Health marks 20 years of Bronx Nurse-Family Partnership

VNS Health is celebrating two decades of its Bronx Nurse-Family Partnership as the program expands eligibility across New York City. The change is meant to reach more parents with free in-home nursing support during pregnancy and through a child’s second birthday.

Why it matters: - VNS Health’s Bronx Nurse-Family Partnership has long served low-income families with in-home nursing support during pregnancy and early childhood. - The city’s eligibility expansion could bring the program to more parents across the five boroughs, including families previously left out under older rules. - The milestone comes as Bronx families continue to face major maternal health gaps and uneven access to prenatal care.

What happened: - VNS Health is marking the 20th anniversary of its Bronx Nurse-Family Partnership program. - The program is part of the NYC Nurse-Family Partnership with the New York City Health Department. - A graduation ceremony is set for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to honor 127 Bronx families completing the program this year. - The anniversary also opens a third decade of the program’s work in the Bronx. - New York City’s Health Department expanded eligibility in March to include parents who have had children before and participants enrolling later in pregnancy.

The details: - The expanded eligibility builds on an investment from the city intended to broaden access for families across all five boroughs. - The program was originally designed for first-time mothers. - Participants once had to enroll 28 weeks before pregnancy. - The new rules will extend in-home nursing support through a child’s second birthday for more Bronx families. - Since launching in 2006, VNS Health’s Bronx program has served more than 8,000 families. - More than 640 families have been served this year. - Nurse-Family Partnership is a national nonprofit program run by Changent. - The model uses specially trained registered nurses who provide health and parenting guidance, connect families to community resources, and support education, career and other life goals. - The program is free and available regardless of age, immigration status or gender identity. - The New York City Nurse-Family Partnership serves all five boroughs. - VNS Health also operates the Nassau County Nurse-Family Partnership on Long Island. - Photos, videos and additional program information are available, and the organization can arrange interviews with consenting current and former participants and nurses.

Between the lines: - The expansion reflects a broader shift from a narrow first-time-mother model to a more flexible family-support approach. - Dr. Alister F. Martin, commissioner of the New York City Health Department, said the program is personal to him because his mother was an NFP nurse. - Paula Reynolds Chambers, VNS Health Nurse-Family Partnership director, said a healthy start for a child depends on support for the mother, too. - One graduate, Ayanna Blyden, said her nurse helped her through first-time motherhood and later shaped her path as a parent and professional. - Blyden’s experience underscores how home visiting can have long-term effects beyond the newborn period. - City data cited in the release show women of color are up to five times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. - State data show only 27.8% of pregnant women in the Bronx say they have ever talked with a health care provider about preparing for a healthy pregnancy.

What's next: - VNS Health expects the eligibility change to bring more Bronx families into the program during pregnancy and through early childhood. - The September 30 graduation event will spotlight families completing the program this year. - The organization says interviews, photos and video are available for further coverage.

The bottom line: - After 20 years in the Bronx, VNS Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership is scaling up as New York City tries to widen access to early maternal and child health support.