In recent times, the journey of new motherhood has been met with various challenges, a truth exemplified by 19-year-old Bridgeport resident Amy Torrez, a native of Nicaragua. Six weeks postpartum from the birth of her first child, daughter Chiara, Torrez has embraced the complexities of motherhood while navigating significant life changes, including securing new housing. Central to her transition is the assistance she receives from Rosie, a community health worker affiliated with Bridgeport Hospital.
Reflecting on her experiences, Torrez highlighted the lack of support from her immediate family, noting, “To be honest, the only person that really showed me concern about my safety and my baby’s safety was Rosie.” This statement encapsulates the critical role that community health workers play in the lives of families like Torrez’s. In her case, Rosie identified an alarming oil or gas spill within Torrez’s apartment and took decisive steps to secure temporary housing until a permanent solution could be found.
Torrez is among the numerous mothers involved in Connecticut’s Family Bridge pilot program, which provides at-home healthcare support for new mothers and their infants. Since its inception in October 2022, the initiative has conducted approximately 1,000 home visits, assisting around 750 newborns. This program consists of a dedicated team of community health workers and registered nurses who perform routine medical evaluations and bridge connections to essential social services, providing items like diapers and formula to families in need.
Connecticut’s Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Manisha Juthani, emphasized the multifaceted nature of the program, asserting, “If a community health worker is able to help somebody every day trying to figure out how she’s gonna survive one day to the next, that’s very different than only the nursing support.” This holistic approach recognizes that new mothers often require more than just clinical care; they need emotional and social support to thrive in their new roles.
Currently, the Family Bridge program serves families in several Connecticut communities, including Bridgeport, Easton, and Stratford. Eligibility for the program is based on residency in these areas and giving birth at either St. Vincent’s or Bridgeport Hospitals.
Family experiences illustrate the positive impact of the program. Fairfield resident Jose Del Pezo shared how a visiting nurse was pivotal in diagnosing his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia after the birth of their second child, illustrating the life-saving potential of timely professional intervention. “Just the input of a professional really kind of changed the way you view things,” Del Pezo noted.
Funded through December 2026 with COVID-19 relief funds, the Family Bridge program aims to expand its reach to Backus Hospital in Norwich in January 2024. As conversations regarding continued funding evolve, state leaders are exploring new avenues to ensure that families continue to receive the comprehensive support they need in the critical postpartum period. This initiative not only addresses healthcare needs but also fosters a supportive community for new mothers during a transformative phase of their lives.
