Four community health departments in Northern Michigan, a regional hospital (Munson Healthcare-MHC), and local health care providers within this system, have partnered to implement the primary prevention program titled Healthy Futures. This program seeks to ensure access to and utilization of primary and preventive services from conception to age two. A regional Community Health Assessment process identified access to care as a major health issue in MHC's five-county service area. A community norm for care from conception to age two was established using a multi-disciplinary, multi-organizational clinical pathway. Four components comprise the Healthy Futures model: central access, community case coordination by public health nurses, educational mailings and health care related financial assistance. Healthy Futures is offered to every expectant woman and to every family with children up to age two. A data registry to track key demographics and health status indicators has been established. Data is collected through interviews by public health nurses during the enrollment period for each mother and child. Health indicator data collected include adequacy of prenatal care, birth outcomes, recommended well-child exams, immunization compliance and breast-feeding longevity. Additionally, economic, environmental and psychosocial barriers to health care are assessed throughout the enrollment period. Healthy Futures encompasses a longitudinal study of health status indicators; current measurement has collected only early results. While some preliminary outcome data is available, a complete outcome evacuation will be completed as the study population ages. The long term findings will be used to shape program and policy development in the region. See www.healthyfuturesonline.org
Learning Objectives: Participants will able to: Articulate that the community health assessment process identified access to care as a major health issue for pregnant women and children in a rural region in the Midwest. Recognize the value of a community-based partnership when implementing a primary prevention program to improve health care access. Describe the four major components that comprise the Healthy Futures model of care.
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Maternal and Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
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.