01 Jul I2D2 releases program evaluation of Phones for Families

In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I2D2 released a program evaluation of the Phones 4 Families program. Families who are already more vulnerable due to low-income or family risk status, such as those served by Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) and other state-funded family support programs, were disproportionately impacted by loss of income, mental health inequality, higher exposure to health risks, and higher rates of COVID19 infection and death. In addition to the health and economic risks, requirements for social isolation to curb COVID-19 transmission created substantial barriers to the provision of family support services. In response to these outcomes, the Iowa Department of Public Health, with support from the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, implemented the Phones for Families program to try to help address social isolation and continue provision of services virtually by providing loaner smartphones to families during the pandemic. View the report here and visit the Iowa Family Support page to learn about what home visiting programs are doing in Iowa.