Resource Mothers

The need for a RM became apparent during the mid 1980s when one of every 81 babies born in Virginia died before his/her first birthday. The numbers were especially alarming in one segment of the population: teenagers. During 1985-86, VDH initiated the RM, an early intervention home visiting program as a strategy to prevent low birth weight births and infant mortality.

RCHD’s lay-mentoring program has been in existence for 13 years. In 1991 Roanoke City had the highest teen pregnancy rate in the state. The RM program has made a significant contribution to reducing this rate.

Objectives of the program:

• Support positive pregnancy outcomes
• through prenatal education
• assistance with community resource referrals
• provide transportation to medical appointments
• promote family & FOB relationships
• Reduce the incidence of teen pregnancies
• Promote completion/return of teen to an academic program
• Infants will be appropriately immunized by their 1 st birthday
• Prevent an unplanned second pregnancy

Comments or questions concerning this web page should be sent to:  roanokeweb@vdh.virginia.gov