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Public‑health nurses ask Senate to restore governor’s Family Connects funding in HB96
Summary
Local public‑health nurses and the Ohio Association of Health Commissioners urged restoration of the governor’s proposed funding for Family Connects home‑visiting and public‑health lab support in HB96, citing early‑intervention benefits and high return‑on‑investment.
Emily Hosington, a public‑health nurse who runs a Family Connects pilot in Darke County, told the Senate Health Committee that early home visiting by nurses reduces emergency visits and detects postpartum depression sooner than typical follow‑up care. “By reaching families within the first few weeks after birth, this program creates an opportunity to screen for and address postpartum depression well before their follow‑up visit,” Hosington said.
Hosington urged the Senate to restore the governor’s requested funding for the evidence‑based Family Connects Ohio program under Help Me Grow, saying a $1 investment returns up to $5.70 in societal savings. Ben Robinson, president of the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners and Wood County health commissioner, supported restoration for both Family Connects and the public health laboratory funding the governor proposed, calling the public lab a critical state resource.
Why it matters: Witnesses said in‑home visits by registered nurses can identify medical, social and mental‑health needs early, reduce ER visits and support maternal and infant health across the state. Advocates requested the Senate restore the governor’s funding levels in HB96 so local health departments can continue or expand services.
No committee votes were recorded on the funding during the hearing.
