As evidenced by the recent Flint water crisis, it is more important than ever to educate our families to have their children see by a doctor. The Hagerman Foundation is privileged to work with community partners and the Hurley Foundation to bring the Video Interaction Project (VIP) to the residents of Flint and Genesee County.

VIP combines a parenting program component with pediatric health care.  Parents and children engage in activities, such as reading aloud and playing, that stimulate a children’s brain development.  This helps to prepare them to enter school ready to learn.  During every well-child visit from birth to 3 years of age, a VIP facilitator meets one-on-one with each family for 25-30 minutes.  Using video playback, the facilitator works with the parent to increase confidence and skills when interacting with their child.  This approach utilizes the doctor’s visit – something families are already attending – to empower parents and families.

According to Dr. Lauren O’Connell, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, and local VIP medical champion, “The strength of VIP is that is empowers parents.  All parents want to give their children their best.”

The VIP will be housed at Hurley Children’s Center – Sumathi Mukkamala Children’s Center at the Flint Farmers’ Market.

“We know that the effects of good parenting can be generational,” said Jocelyn Hagerman, CEO of The Hagerman Foundation.  “The approach to uplift and empower parents matches one of our core values: to provide families with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to strengthen the family unit.  We are very excited to see this program come to Flint.”