By Teresa Ball, Site Coordinator, 1st Five, UDMO, Inc.
In O’Brien County, a growing network of care is transforming how families access support for their youngest children and at the heart of this movement is the 1st Five initiative of Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. Designed to connect children birth to 5 through their primary care providers, 1st Five is reshaping the landscape of early childhood health and development, one referral at a time.
The program’s influence is felt across the county, where screenings for children birth to age five are no longer isolated clinical moments, but gateways to coordinated care. Teresa Ball, site coordinator for 1st Five, describes the impact: “We are making a difference, one screening, one referral at a time, to ensure healthy mental development in children birth to five. Early intervention is necessary to ensure we connect all children with necessary resources to thrive.”
Through 1st Five, families are linked to services that address behavioral health, developmental delays, parenting support, housing instability, resource needs and more. The initiative ensures that no concern raised in a clinic is left unaddressed and that every child has a pathway to grow and succeed.
This work would not be possible without the commitment of primary care providers across O’Brien County. Currently, Sanford Health, MercyOne Primghar Medical Clinic, Hartley Family Care, and Mill Creek Family Practice in Paullina have embraced the role of screening and referring, acting as the first line of support for families. Their partnerships with 1st Five ensures that concerns are met with action, and that families are never left to navigate challenges alone.
But screenings and referrals are only part of the equation. A truly effective system requires collaboration between healthcare, early childhood programs, public health, and social services. It requires shared goals, streamlined communication, and a collective commitment to the well-being of children.
O’Brien County is proving that such a system is not only possible. It’s already underway! With 1st Five serving as a connector, and providers and agencies working in tandem, the county is building a model of care that prioritizes prevention, responsiveness, and dignity.
Together, we are creating a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. And together, we are stronger.