FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the program begin/What is its history?
Durham Connects launched in August 2008 after research and piloting. The program is still in its development phase and will expand to the entire county in the near future.

Is there any cost?
No. The program is free and open to any family with a newborn born on an EVEN birth date (ie. July 2, 4, 6 etc). Eventually, the program will be availble to all Durham County residents.

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. However, if you are eligible a Durham Connects representative will meet with you in the hospital shortly after birth to answer questions, obtain updated contact info and schedule your first visit.

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 pediatrician, why do I need a visit?
Participation in Durham Connects is recommended by area pediatricians, obstetricians and family practitioners. 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. 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 a Durham County resident or if my baby was born on an odd birthdate, can I still get a visit?
Unfortunately no. The program is currently only available to families of babies born on EVEN dayy whom are Durham County residents. 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?
Several Durham Connects nurses speak Spanish. An effort will be made to match a families with a nurse who speaks the parents preferred language. If one is not available, an interpreter will accompany the nurse during the visit.