The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41297

Jayne Romero, MS, MPH¹, Sharon L. Peterson, RN, BSN², and Barbara J. Davis, RN, MS². (1) New Directions Psychiatry and Counseling P.C., 406 West First Street, Oil City, PA 16301, (2) Pennsylvania Department of Health, PO Box 191, Seneca, PA 16346, 814-677-0672, cjromero@usachoice.net

As of January 3, 1991 a near crisis situation existed for pregnant women in Venango County, Pennsylvania. Three of five OB/GYN physicians were departing from the area leaving only two physicians to deliver the 935 average annual births (the OB/GYN standard of care is 180-200 births per physician). Further, the remaining two physicians refused to take new Medical Assistance clients into their practices largely because the State of PA ranked 49 of 50 for prenatal care reimbursement. The result, many women in the county, especially low-income women, were forced to leave the area for OB/GYN care. A prenatal task force was developed to address the problem. This collaborative effort developed a plan that led to legislative reform and expanded medical service implementation. The task force then partnered with additional community leaders to conduct a countywide child/family needs assessment. The number one need identified through the assessment process was the need for “upstream” parent skill building and support. As a result, the expanded collaborative progressively obtained funding to implement a continuum of services for pregnant women, infants and toddlers. The collaborative became an official advisory board to county government. Outcomes include a 100% increase in OB/GYN physicians, 18% reduction in low birth weight since 1996, and many additional gains for women and children service recipients (e.g., identified medical home, increased immunizations, reduced child abuse rates). The Presentation will review the history and strategies employed to leverage funding, sustain success, and demonstrate the benefit of public involvement in improving health outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Recognize the benefits of the public's involvement in community assessment, planning, and implementation of prevention services for children and families.
• 2.Describe how community collaboration created legislative change to effect access to medical care for low-income children and families.
• 3.Describe strategies to sustain community collaboration and leverage funding.
• 4.Identify five positive outcomes from community collaboration.
• 5.Describe how public input was used to direct policy development and action plans.

Keywords: Community Preventive Services, Community Collaboration

Related Web page: www.venfoofcb.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.