A health advocacy group is studying whether Mississippi should start a program to provide nurse visits to the homes of all low-income, first-time parents and their children.

The Mississippi Health Advocacy Program, a nonprofit public policy organization, has received a $400,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to conduct the study, which will include a series of forums across the state to gauge health care needs.

The group wants to determine if Mississippi could sustain a Nurse-Family Partnership program, which already operates in 25 other states.

The program touts numerous benefits including improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, fewer childhood injuries and improved school readiness. It's paid for with public funds.