A multivitamin containing folic acid, if taken daily, could reduce the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) by up to 70%. However, only 34% of women of childbearing age reported taking a vitamin containing folic acid daily in 2000. In 1998, North Carolina had among the highest rates of NTDs in the country and few resources available to address this major public health concern. Meanwhile, its neighbor, South Carolina, was actively reducing the number of babies affected by NTDs due to greater resources devoted to a well-organized folic acid campaign. The presenter will describe how the March of Dimes led the North Carolina Folic Acid Council in securing over $850,000 for its folic acid campaign for 2001 and beyond. Efforts began through grant support from the March of Dimes national office and the CDC. Using funding to enhance collaboration and communication, the Council grew in size and vision, while maintaining consistent educational messages and targeting resources effectively. Building on the expertise of its members, the Council developed programmatic strategies to begin widespread education of health care professionals, while leveraging additional support from state leaders to expand the reach of the campaign. Parallel to the program efforts, policy issues were addressed through well-organized advocacy efforts. “Starter” state funds for programs and allocation of state staff time for the folic acid campaign were secured. Business partners in the health care, retail, and media sectors came forward to lend time and talent to push the campaign to a higher level of operation.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Articulate the components of North Carolina’s Folic Acid Campaign 2. Describe the steps that led project organizers to secure significant funding to support the campaign 3. Understand the role that a variety of public and private sector partners played in expanding the reach of the campaign
Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Public/Private Partnerships
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: March of Dimes
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employee