The state Department of Health said today it was awarded $3.5 million in federal funding to continue its home visiting program for expecting mothers and families.

The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program provides home visiting services to women during pregnancy and parents with young children up to kindergarten entry. Trained nurses, social workers and early childhood educators meet regularly with expectant parents or families with young children, particularly those considered at-risk, to guide them through pregnancy and early childhood development.

It currently serves about 850 families and conducts more than 10,000 home visits statewide annually.

“Home visiting services help to ensure our keiki and their families have a healthier start,” said Matthew Shim, the department’s family health services division chief. “This federal funding will allow the state to continue to provide this important service to expecting mothers and families during a critical time in their child’s development.”