In a time of shrinking resources and increasing state control over health care dollars, public/private partnerships may serve as models for community-based health initiatives. The goal of the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (HTPCP), a collaborative partnership between the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), is to improve the health status of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents by increasing their access to health services. Since its inception in 1989, a total of 117 HTPCP grants have been awarded; 64 of the 117 projects have been completed. The HTPCP stimulates innovative programs that employ preventive strategies to promote access to health care for mothers and children nationwide. The HTPCP initiates community planning and problem solving at the local level through its unique program requirements which include: pediatrician involvement, a two-thirds matching funds requirement to ensure project sustainability, and an advisory board comprised of local community organizations, families and program participants. To be eligible for funding, projects must represent a new initiative within the community or an additional component that builds upon existing community resources. Healthy Tomorrows grant awards are for approximately $50,000 per year for a 5-year project period. In addition, an evaluation of the program has been initiated. This workshop presentation will discuss the unique program requirements of the HTPCP, highlight examples of projects at the local level, as well as discuss the preliminary evaluation results of the HTPCP program and lessons learned.
Learning Objectives: 1) Discuss several approaches to implementing community-based health programs and identify lessons learned. 2) Learn about community-based health programs that were initiated as a result of the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program. 3) Examine the issue of project sustainability after federal funding is withdrawn from a program
Keywords: Access to Care, Maternal and Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Academy of Pediatrics
Federal Maternal and Child Healthy Bureau, Healthy Resources and Services Administration
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.