Every Child Deserves A Bright Start

It’s hard enough to be a new mom.  But add to that such challenges as financial difficulties, living miles from a clinic or hospital, substance abuse issues, and not having the resources or support you need…. that’s the situation many women in rural or tribal communities face.  

The Bright Start Home Visiting Program, led in central South Dakota by the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care in partnership with the Department of Health, is designed for first-time expecting moms.  Bright Start is a Nurse-Family Partnership program that provides a free personal nurse and other assistance for eligible moms throughout their pregnancy and until their child’s 2 nd birthday. In 2020, Bright Start assisted 596 women in South Dakota, and the program has recently expanded statewide.

A Helping Hand. Valerie Wagner, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care, is a nurse with the Bright Start program in SD. 

“I remember one young woman,” she recalls.  “This first-time mom’s pregnancy was unplanned, and she had minimal support from family or others. She was college-educated but was unsure as to keeping the baby, let alone having concerns about going through pregnancy. Her life had funneled into a dark place with some mental health challenges, substance abuse, and financial instability.

Together we were able to look at her options and help her get support systems in place to consider parenting her child or adoption. She did elect to have services started for her mental health and substance abuse. Today, she has a thriving, happy baby girl that she is enjoying and loving! She says she can’t imagine life without her. Bright Start made a real difference in her life, and the life of her child!”

For more information on Bright Start, visit www.nfpmoms.org

To learn more about the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care, visit sdfmc.org

By: Charlotte Hofer