Programs
Medically Vulnerable Infant Program

Medically Vulnerable Infant Program

Clinica Sierra Vista’s Medically Vulnerable Infant Program (MVIP) is a nurse home-visiting program for families of eligible babies just released from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at local hospitals. The NICU experience can be overwhelming for many parents who many find it difficult to understand their infant’s condition or medical problems. Many families find it hard to cope with their infant’s special needs when they go home. They may have questions that didn’t arise in the hospital setting, and they may not know where to get more information. That’s where we come in.

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Medically Vulnerable Infant Program

We Provide Affordable Care to Infant Patients

Clinica Sierra Vista provides services to children up to 3 years old who meet the program’s medical criteria. Our program offers home-based case management services by a registered nurse.

MVIP Services Are Intended To:

  • Help families establish medical homes
  • Encourage up-to-date immunizations
  • Link families to community resources
  • Reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits
  • Prevent or minimize developmental disabilities or delays
  • Educate and support families on their infant’s special needs
  • Reduce infant mortality in this high-risk population
  • Prevent child abuse

The Medically Vulnerable Infant Program is a free service for those children who meet the criteria, and parents must consent to participate voluntarily.

Services

Our services Include:

  • Intensive home visiting*
  • Ongoing developmental assessments
  • Infant assessments
  • Facilitating healthcare coordination
  • Education on infant care, safety, child development, and the infant’s special needs
  • Support and encouragement
  • Providing referrals and resource information to link families to valuable community services

*Visits from Registered Nurses Who Specialize in Infant and Child Care

Registered nurse visits can provide families with guidance to empower parents to become better advocates for their infants and children.

Contact Us
Medically Vulnerable Infants Program (MVIP)
301 Brundage Lane
Bakersfield, CA 93304
661-634-1164

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Program Objectives

  • At least 80% of interns complete program/degree requirements within 13.5 months (150% of planned program length).
  • Of graduates who seek employment, at least 100% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  • 80% of employers, who return surveys, rate graduates as “satisfactory” or “excellent” for ability to work effectively with multicultural populations from diverse backgrounds.
  • 90% of program graduates work as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in community nutrition.
  • 90% of graduates work in Central Valley community programs for at least two years after graduation.

Do I Qualify for WIC?

WIC is a program that helps families with food and nutrition. Call us at (661) 862-5422 or send a message, and we’ll help you see if you qualify.

Here are some ways you might qualify:

  • You are pregnant
  • You are breastfeeding a baby who is less than one year old
  • You had a baby in the last six months
  • You have a child who is under the age of five
  • You experienced a loss of pregnancy or had a termination

You also need to think about your family’s income. Here are the monthly income limits for family sizes:

  • 1 Person: $2,413
  • 2 Persons: $3,261
  • 3 Persons: $4,109
  • 4 Persons: $4,957
  • 5 Persons: $5,805
  • More than 5 Persons: Add $848 for each additional member

This income limit is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, and these amounts will be effective from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Also, if you’re pregnant, the baby counts as part of your family size when figuring out if you qualify.

Get Care Right Away

Need care right away? Our health centers offer same-day appointments, and our walk-in clinics also offer extended hours. Whether you schedule ahead or stop by, we’re here to deliver fast, high-quality care when and where you need it.

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Visit Your Preferred Location

We make it easy to choose the clinic that works best for you. Keep in mind that your preferred location may mean seeing a different provider. Either way, you’ll receive compassionate, expert care from our trusted team, no matter which clinic you visit.

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See Your Preferred Provider

Our providers work across multiple clinics to make care accessible, so their location may vary based on availability. No matter where you’re seen, you can trust our dedicated team to deliver the high-quality care you deserve.

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