The North Colorado Health Alliance now provides case management operations for the North Colorado Medical Center Foundation’s FIRST STEPS program.

FIRST STEPS supports women throughout their pregnancies.  With more than 80 percent of FIRST STEPS clients experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, there is often a need to guide and encourage women towards healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes.  At FIRST STEPS, women have access to referrals for medical care, education designed to meet individual pregnancy needs, and information about other community resources.  All of this is offered at no cost, regardless of age or income.

For more information on the FIRST STEPS program, please call (970) 350-4673.

Since 1991, the dedicated staff at FIRST STEPS has promoted healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes by using a network of established relationships.  In 2010, FIRST STEPS received over 600 referrals, served over 300 women and provided community education to over 800 Weld County students. First Steps serves any pregnant woman, regardless of age or income. This effort is made possible by the generous support of the North Colorado Medical Center Foundation and their donors.

Today, one in eight American births is preterm – Colorado’s 9-percent preterm birth rate is one of the highest low-birth weight rates in the nation (a baby weighing 5 pounds 8 ounces or less).  In 2009, Weld County’s low-birth weight rate was 7.5 percent, while low-birth weight babies born to clients of First Steps were only 5 percent!  Low-birth weight babies are not just small babies. They are at an increased risk for severe illness and death and are more likely to have long-term health problems and learning disabilities.