Posted Nov. 11, 2024. Past health advisories and alerts are archived for historical purposes and are not maintained or updated.
Dear Medical Providers and Staff,
In August, the Spokane Regional Health District launched the Washington State Blue Band Initiative within the Nurse-Family Partnership Program (NFP). Several Washington hospitals began this Initiative in 2023, as part of a statewide effort led by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to improve the early detection and management of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The initiative aims to enhance the ability to manage and reduce preeclampsia, ultimately improving health outcomes for both mothers and babies in our community. Your support and collaboration are vital to this effort.
Blue Band with bungee and embroidered with the phrase, "Alert! Eclampsia Risk"
At around 20 weeks of gestation, interested NFP clients receive blood pressure monitors and self-monitoring instructions. Utilizing the PERT tool, nurse home visitors provide at-risk clients with a blue band to wear as a visual cue for healthcare providers, helping ensure timely intervention. At-risk clients are sent for an appropriate level of follow-up care and providers are notified by phone and/or fax.
For more detailed information about the Blue Bands Initiative, please visit the Washington DOH Blue Band Initiative website. In addition, healthcare provider resources can be found here.
The statewide Blue Band Initiative group meets once a month (fourth Thurs. of the month, 10-11 a.m.) to address preeclampsia. For more information, contact:
Rebecca Penders, PhD, RNC-OB, C-ONQS
Perinatal Network Coordinator of Eastern WA, WA Dept of Health/ Providence
Rebecca.Penders@Providence.org
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued commitment to the health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum people.
Referring eligible pregnant people to NFP can make an incredible difference in the well-being of parents and their new baby. NFP continually accepts referrals for pregnant parents, who are eligible for Apple Health Medicaid and/or WIC, and are 28 weeks or earlier in pregnancy. Visit www.srhd.org/nfp to learn more and to place a referral!
Sincerely,
Alicia Kreutzer
Nurse-Family Partnership Program Manager
Spokane Regional Health District
akreutzer@srhd.org
