Public Health Nursing Program
Bangor Region Public Health and Wellness,
a division of Bangor Health and Community Services
The mission of Public Health Nursing is to provide maternal child public health nursing services and to address public health issues of regional importance such as disease outbreaks. In addition, the program is charged with the task of planning and preparing for the prevention of bioterrorism events.
In-Home Visits
Our Nurse Home-Visit Program is offered to pregnant women and new parents who feel that they and their babies could benefit from additional health support. During these visits, Public Health nurses provide education and information based on ACIP guidelines and from American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Practice (2007) and from the American Academy of Pediatricians and using the “bright futures” guidelines.
With the belief that early intervention leads to healthier maternal child outcomes, Public Health Nursing Programs are offered FREE of charge to Bangor residents and include, but are not limited to:
- Infant Care/Parenting Tips
- Breastfeeding Counseling
- Asthma Education
- Home Safety Tips
- Smoking Cessation
- Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition
- Family Planning
- Immunization
- Lead Paint Poisoning Information
- Developmental Assessment and Evaluation
- Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring
- Infant Growth Measurement and Assessment
- Education and Guidance in Many Health Related Areas
Making a Difference
Many area families have been helped in their effort to develop parenting skills and gain self-sufficiency through this proven, evidence-based program.
Specialized nurses offer regular family visits during the first few years of a child’s life. Visits focus on three clear objectives.
- Fostering Healthier Pregnancies
- Improving the Health and Development of Children
- Encouraging Self-Sufficiency
Who We Help
Public Health nurses visited over 200 families in 2010 and received over 200 new referrals for service.
Regional Public Health Prevention and Planning
The City of Bangor’s Public Health Nursing Program also coordinates health-related emergency preparedness activities for the City. In addition to the creation of the Bangor Region Influenza Plan, The Bangor Region Influenza Coalition (BRIC) was formed to facilitate the distribution of vaccines or medications to large groups of citizens in a short period of time. This group meets monthly and includes participants from multiple community stakeholders including regional hospitals, universities, medical offices and providers, as well as public health officials. Potential future goals include convening a regional medical reserve corps and organizing a City-wide drill to provide mass medication prophylaxis.
Collaborations
The Public Health Nursing Program participates in many collaborative efforts both locally and statewide. We work with numerous partners and serve on committees to address issues of child abuse and neglect, substance abuse prevention, homelessness, and early childhood development.
Public Health Nursing Staff
Patricia Hamilton, Public Health Director
