FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is there any cost?

No. The program is free and open to any family with a newborn in a coverage area.

How did you get my contact and birth information?

The Durham Connects program is considered an extension of your health care by area hospitals. Birth and contact information is collected from hospital birth records. For those giving birth outside of Durham County, information is collected through public birth records.

If I accept a visit from Durham Connects, will I be taking the service away from someone who needs it more? No. Durham Connects is intended to be a universal program open to all residents of Durham County. In fact, it is crucial for DC to visit as many parents of newborns as possible to fulfill the expectation of universality.

I have a baby doctor, why do I need a visit?

Participation in Durham Connects is recommended by area pediatricians, obstetricians and family physician. Durham Connects has partnered with these physicians to provide a continuity of care for newborns and their parents. Durham Connects does not replace a pediatric visit, but is an additional chance to spend one-one-one time with a  health care professional in the comfort of your own home without the rush or chaos of a typical doctor’s office. Your doctor relies on the information gathered by DC nurses to enhance your care.

I’m a doctor, nurse or other health care professional, do I still need a visit?

Durham Connects can address issues beyond medical needs such as childcare resources, back-to-work plans, social support and breastfeeding education. New questions arise with each new baby and DC nurses are trained to listen and support new parents in all circumstances.

I opted out of this visit at the hospital, why am I still receiving a call?

Durham Connects contacts all parents of newborns in Durham County after birth. There is no

need to register for a visit, and no system for opting out in advance. If after speaking with your Durham Connects nurse you decide not to accept the home visit, you may decline.

Why haven’t I heard of this program?

Durham Connects was launched in August 2008 and is still fairly new.

Parents may receive information from their OB, hospital tour, birth class, pediatrician or family practitioner. For more information visit www.durhamconnects.org or call 919-668-3279.

When will the visit be made?

The visit will be scheduled between 2-12 weeks postpartum at a time convenient for the parent.

My baby is 6 months old, can I still receive a visit?

No. Durham Connects is able to visit parents of newborns between the ages of 2 weeks and 12 weeks.

What credentials and experience do Durham Connects nurses have?

All Durham Connects nurses are Registered Nurses (RN). Some hold BSNs and others hold MSN or MPH degrees. All nurses have several years clinical and/or community health experience.

Who funds Durham Connects?

Durham Connects is funded by The Duke Endowment, a private foundation that funds programs concerning healthcare and children’s welfare. Visit www.dukeendowment.org for more information.

If I’m not in a current coverage area can I still get a visit?

The entire county will be covered in 2010. If you’re not in a current coverage area when your newborn is between 2-12 weeks old, you will not receive a Durham Connects visit. However, you may be eligible for a Medicaid postpartum nurse visit or to receive referrals from the Office of Community Resources.

Does my residency status affect my eligibility to receive a visit?

No. Durham Connects nurses do not ask, nor report residency status.

Does my nurse speak Spanish?

About half of the Durham Connects nurses speak Spanish. An effort will be made to

match a families with a nurse who speaks their language. If one is not available, an interpreter will accompany the nurse during the visit.