VNA's Children & Family Health institute

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we've lost and stand united in hope. The Prevention Resource Network offers vital support and resources to help prevent overdoses. Together, we can create a future where every life is valued and protected.

Click here to learn more about Prevention Resource Network's Harm Reduction Program: https://prnvnacj.org/harm-reduction-program/

We celebrated milestones and memories at Monmouth County Nurse-Family Partnership's annual graduation ceremony. Last weekend, graduating families gathered at the Eastern Branch Library to capture moments, enjoy lunch, and receive heartfelt congratulations. Nurses honored each family with certificates and flowers, while children enjoyed graduation caps and busy books.

At CFHI, we're dedicated to ensuring your health and safety every step of the way. During National Immunization Awareness Month, we emphasize the crucial role vaccines play in preventing illness and protecting our communities. By staying up-to-date with immunizations, we safeguard ourselves and contribute to the well-being of those around us.

Thank you to Monmouth Healthy Families-TIP for the fantastic summer outing at the Ocean Recreational Facility! The event was a huge success, with 60 families enjoying a day of swimming, fun, and meaningful connections. It was a fantastic opportunity to build community and promote wellness.

Thanks to the incredible support of The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, we're expanding our doula program into Essex County! This expansion involves providing crucial training and support for new doulas, enhancing their capacity to improve maternal health outcomes, and fostering community-based career opportunities. We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant and the opportunity to build healthier communities.⁠
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Click here to read more: https://vnahg.org/children-family-health-institute-receives-grant-to-improve-maternal-health-and-child-outcomes-in-essex-county-through-creation-of-doula-career-pathway/
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Last week, our Ocean County Nurse-Family Partnership hosted its annual graduation, where families came together to take pictures, share their favorite memories of the program, and enjoy a special lunch. Congratulations to our newest graduates—we are so proud of you!

August is National Breastfeeding Month! At CFHI, we're committed to supporting new mothers with our Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides vital breastfeeding education and resources. Discover how our programs can help you on your breastfeeding journey.

Click here to learn more: https://vnahg.org/cfhi-special-supplemental-nutrition-program-for-women-infants-and-children-wic/

Our Nurse-Family Partnership program participated in CHEMED's National Health Center Week event in Lakewood, NJ last week!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn about our home visitation program for low-income, first-time pregnant women.

We hosted World Breastfeeding Week celebrations for our WIC participants in Freehold and New Brunswick, where they received breastfeeding certificates and shared their stories with each other. Thank you to everyone who attended and made these celebrations so special!

We proudly participated in Keyport Central School's Blacktop Bash! It was a pleasure to connect with the community alongside the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), VNACJ - Community Health Center, Family Advocate, Monmouth and Ocean County Councils for Young Children, and Monmouth ACTS.

Children enjoyed crafts, giveaways, and toys while parents picked them up from summer camps. Thank you, Keyport Central, for providing lunch and hosting a fantastic event!

Our recent preschool health screenings at Piner Elementary School in Lakewood were a success! Thanks to United Way’s generous funding, we used hearing and vision screening devices to ensure early detection and support for our little ones. Together, we’re making strides in promoting healthy futures for all children.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare? We're seeking a highly skilled leader and manager to serve as our new Vice President! Click here to apply or learn more about this exciting opportunity: https://careers-vnahg.icims.com/jobs/8919/vice-president%2c-children-and-family-health-institute-%28cfhi%29/job

If you have any questions about the role or its requirements, please email [email protected].

We're seeking a bilingual Community Health Worker to play a vital role in educating, guiding individuals through screenings, and reducing barriers to care. Make a direct impact on health outcomes with our mission-driven team by applying here: https://careers-vnahg.icims.com/jobs/8881/community-health-worker-bilingual/job?mobile=false&width=1710&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240.

Cleft and craniofacial conditions impact countless lives each year in the US. At CFHI, we support families and children through specialized health services. Learn more about our Early Intervention Program here: https://vnahg.org/cfhi-early-intervention/ and our Special Child Health Services here: https://vnahg.org/cfhi-special-child-health-services/

After four decades of dedicated leadership, Colleen Nelson, Vice President of the Children & Family Health Institute, will retire at this year's end. From her beginnings as a staff nurse in 1984 to her transformative leadership as Vice President, Colleen's passion and dedication have touched countless lives. Her visionary approach to integrated care has shaped our community health programs, profoundly impacting all we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for Colleen's exceptional service and wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement!

Click here to learn more about Colleen's impactful journey: https://vnahg.org/colleen-nelson-vice-president-of-cfhi-reflects-on-four-decades-of-service-as-she-prepares-for-retirement/

Colleen Nelson, Vice President of CFHI, Reflects on Four Decades of Service as She Prepares for Retirement Neptune, New Jersey – July 25, 2024: After 40 years of dedication, compassion, and transformative leadership, Colleen Nelson, Vice President of the Children & Family Health Institute (CFHI) at VNA Health Group, will retire at the end of this year. Colleen joined VNA Health Group in 1984 as a staff...

This Zero HIV Stigma Day, join us in advocating for a world free of discrimination and filled with understanding and support. Click here to learn about how we can support you: https://vnahg.org/cfhi-hiv-case-management-services/

During Birth Trauma Awareness Week, CFHI stands with families by offering compassionate doula and mother-baby health services to support your journey. Discover how we can care for you: https://vnahg.org/cfhi-healthy-families/

Join us in honoring and celebrating the vibrant diversity of our nonbinary community today!

Through Project REAL, we provide free social events that foster peer support and connection among young LGBTQ+ individuals.

Learn more about our inclusive programs here: https://prnvnacj.org/project-real/

We proudly participated in our first Mission on the Move event with the Raritan Bay Area YMCA! Together, we conducted blood pressure and glucose screenings for seven community members and offered COVID-19 vaccines to promote community health and well-being.

Protect you and your child’s skin today for a healthier tomorrow! July is UV Safety Awareness Month, so remember to stay sun-safe with hats, sunscreen, and shade.

Happy Independence Day! Celebrate safely and enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.

On this National HIV Testing Day and beyond, understanding your status, raising awareness, and eliminating stigma is crucial. Take steps for your health by getting tested and staying informed.

Click here to learn how we can support you: https://vnahg.org/cfhi-hiv-case-management-services/

Congratulations to Colleen Nelson, our Vice President of Clinical Operations, for receiving an NJBIZ 2024 Health Care Hero Award! Colleen's dedication to serving children and families throughout New Jersey was recognized alongside other honorees at the awards ceremony yesterday. Congratulations, Colleen!

We’re empowering LGBTQ+ health and communities with compassion and dedication! The Prevention Resource Network (PRN) and Project REAL provide a nurturing haven, comprehensive services, and vibrant events, fostering well-being for LGBTQ+ individuals in Monmouth and Northern Ocean Counties.

Click here to learn more: https://prnvnacj.org/about-prn/

Prevention Resource Network is highlighted in a new article about its mobile testing and vaccination unit providing mpox vaccinations. We’re raising awareness about mpox, a viral disease causing fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and providing vaccines as cases rise.

Read more here: https://stateline.org/2024/06/04/as-mpox-cases-rise-experts-urge-complete-2-part-vaccinations/

Last weekend, our Prevention Resource Network team marched in the Asbury Park Pride Parade! Join us as we celebrate love, equality, and unity this Pride Month.