Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2025
CONTACT
Julia Sclafani
Public Relations Specialist
Email: julia.sclafani@ececd.nm.gov
Mobile: (505) 699–5937
1120 Paseo De Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Streamlining early childhood services under one agency
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) announced today that Family Connects New Mexico, a nurse-led home visiting program supporting families with newborns, has officially transitioned from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) to ECECD, effective July 1.
The move aligns with the state’s broader strategy to streamline and strengthen early childhood services under one agency. The transition will not interrupt services for families—current and future participants can expect the same high-quality care and support they’ve always received.
“Family Connects is about meeting families where they are—literally and figuratively,” said ECECD Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky. “By bringing skilled, compassionate care directly into homes, we’re helping families build strong foundations for lifelong health and success.”
“Family Connects has a proven track record of supporting healthy families, and we’re proud to welcome this effective, evidence-based program into the ECECD umbrella,” said NMDOH Sec. Gina DeBlassie. “Families will continue receiving seamless, compassionate care from trusted nurses during the early weeks after birth.”
Family Connects New Mexico provides in-home visits by registered nurses during the first few weeks after birth, helping parents and caregivers navigate the transition into parenthood with confidence. The program is open to all families—regardless of income, language, or background—and is designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes statewide.
During visits, nurses provide health checks for babies, postpartum support for birthing parents, and guidance on everything from feeding and sleep routines to connecting with local child care and parenting resources.
Based on the nationally recognized Family Connects model, the program delivers measurable benefits for families and communities. Key benefits demonstrated in national evaluations of Family Connects include:
- 50 percent fewer emergency room visits in a baby’s first year.
- Improved maternal mental health and reduced postpartum anxiety and depression.
- Increased postpartum checkups for birthing parents.
- Greater use of high-quality early learning programs.
- Stronger parental confidence in newborn care.
- 97 percent of families connected to at least one helpful resource.
To learn more about Family Connects New Mexico or find out how to participate, visit Family Connects New Mexico | Early Childhood Education & Care Department. The statewide Family Connects Warmline is 877-842-4152.
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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham launched the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in 2020, making New Mexico among the first states to consolidate all early childhood programs and services under a single cabinet-level agency. Under this administration, ECECD has led the nation by expanding access to free New Mexico PreK, overseeing the largest investment in early childhood infrastructure in state history, and implementing cost-free child care for a majority of New Mexico families. Learn more about how ECECD supports children, families, and the early childhood professionals that serve our communities at nmececd.org. On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as @NewMexicoECECD.