HRSA study: Nurse visits improve family well-being

Direct interactions between nurses and other home visitors and families had long-term positive effects on maternal and family well-being outcomes by the time children reached kindergarten, according to study results from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The positive outcomes included improvements in families’ economic circumstances, reduced family conflict and violence, better maternal mental and behavioral health, and stronger parent-child interactions. The results are part of a national randomized control trial following 4,226 families in 12 states who are part of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. HRSA recently awarded more than $480 million in additional grants to 56 states and jurisdictions to implement evidence-based home visiting programs in communities facing significant challenges to achieving optimal maternal and child health outcomes. (HRSA news release, 9/11/25)