Frequently Asked Questions

When did the program begin/What is its history?
Durham Connects launched in August 2008.

It is part of a 10-year initiative to improve child well being in the Durham community by The Duke Endowment called the Durham Family Initiative, which included many collaborators including the health department and Duke University. Today, Durham Connects has expanded to become a program of the Center for Child & Family Health.

Is there any cost?
No. There is no charge to families.

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 available from hospital birth records. A Durham Connects representative will meet with you in the hospital shortly after birth to answer questions, obtain updated contact information and schedule your first visit. You may also contact us through this website. In addition, if we do not make contact in the hospital, our staff will try to reach you by telephone to discuss and schedule a home 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 it 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.

How will I hear about Durham Connects?
Parents may receive information from their OB, hospital tour, birth class, pediatrician or family practitioner. For more information visit www.durhamconnects.org or call 919-419-3474 ext. 232.

When will the visit be made?
The visit is typically scheduled for around 3 weeks postpartum. However, visits may be scheduled for up to 12 weeks postpartum at a time convenient for the parent. Exceptions are made for babies who have been hospitalized and discharged at a later date.

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. Some exceptions can be made for babies hospitalized for longer period of time after birth.

What credentials and experience do Durham Connects nurses have?
All Durham Connects nurses are Registered Nurses (RN). All nurses have several years clinical and/or community health experience. Get to know our nurses reading their profiles here.

Who funds Durham Connects?
Durham Connects is primarily funded by The Duke Endowment, a private foundation that funds programs concerning healthcare and children’s welfare. Visit www.dukeendowment.org for more information. Durham Connects is also partially funded by Durham County and community grants.

If I’m not a Durham County resident or if I live in Durham, but my baby was born outside of Durham County, am I still eligible to receive a visit?
The program is currently only available to Durham County residents. If you give birth outside of Durham County, you will need to contact us to sign-up, or you may do so online.

Does my U.S. residency status affect my eligibility to receive a visit?
No. Durham Connects nurses do not ask, nor report U.S. 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.