Kane County Health Department Program Guides First-Time Moms in Kane County

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Since 2000, the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) has been supporting expectant and new mothers through the Kane Kares Home Visiting Program. This program is unique as it is the only home visiting program of its kind in Kane County that pairs expecting mothers with a registered nurse. Nurses are matched with families from pregnancy through age 2, making vital connections between new parents and community resources.

Kane Kares has been at the forefront of supporting parental roles in child development with goals to reduce rates of low birth weight, prematurity, and infant mortality, and to promote optimal well-child care and family bonding.

"Kane Kares is about more than just healthcare; it's about building relationships and providing comprehensive support to our families," said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director.

According to KCHD, more than 70% of Kane Kares clients are Hispanic or Latina, and 40% of the births are funded through Medicaid. Additionally, 40% of those served are ages 15–21, and the majority of clients are from Aurora and Elgin.

Jill Zolfo, one of two Nurse Home Visitors in the Kane Kares program, said that as a registered nurse, she is able to see her clients regularly, week to week and month to month, to identify issues that might otherwise be missed. Some of these include high blood pressure, anxiety or depression, and other symptoms that can lead to potentially life-threatening issues such as preeclampsia. Zolfo also encourages her clients to take ownership of their health and to educate themselves about their own vital signs.

"You need to advocate for your own health. Know your vital signs and blood pressure before leaving the office," Zolfo advises her clients. "Preeclampsia can develop rapidly, and it doesn't always show obvious signs."

One of Zolfo's clients, Samantha, said the Kane Kares program helped her ensure not only her baby's health but also her own, and gave her the confidence and knowledge needed as a parent moving forward. She added that Jill's involvement in her motherhood journey was “a gift" she feels all new mothers should have.

“Not only did I have an advocate for my son, I had an advocate for myself," Samantha said. “One of the best parts of parenting was the relationship I built with Jill," she added, noting that through the knowledge and education she received, she was able to develop a more interpersonal relationship with her son.

KCHD staff recently showcased the program during a congressional visit.

KCHD is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Kane County residents and invites first-time parents to join this supportive network and get matched with a caring and knowledgeable KCHD nurse. The program remains committed to its mission of empowering parents and enhancing early childhood development, ensuring a brighter future for all children in the county. For more information about the Kane Kares program, visit https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Kane-Kares.aspx or call (224) 227-4476. Bilingual staff is available.