The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #53219

Ellen Hutchins, ScD and Lisa R King, MA. Perinatal and Women's Health Branch, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Parklawn Bldg Rm 10C-16, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301.443.9534, ehutchins@hrsa.gov

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (HRSA/DHHS)has recently awarded three-year demonstration grants to twelve states to expand infrastructure around women's health. The purpose is to: 1)expand capacity for women's health services in State MCH programs; 2)increase coordination of primary care, preventive services and mental health services for women who have limited access to these services; 3)leverage existing resources to attract additional support and build partnerships with key community-based organizations, academic institutions, provider organizations, and federal, state and local agencies to facilitate the integration and coordination of women's health services and programs, and; 4) develop a process for capacity building through partnerships and linkages to support and sustain comprehensive systems of care for women. This grant program enables all 12 states to establish a focal point for coordination of women's health. Furthermore, each state has developed their own unique and individualized approach to expanding infrastructure. For example, due to this grant the Massachusetts Women's Health Director's position has been elevated to a policy position which will facilitate the actual institutionalization of policy decisions. In other states, such as Maryland, the approach to infrastructure development involves expanding comprehensive women's health services at the county level first then expanding statewide. In another state, the Indiana Women's Prison is beginning within the correctional system and coordinating with MCH, family planning, and other programs to strengthen the network of services to incarcerated women upon release. Through this 3-year demonstration project these 12 states will inform other states on effective approaches to expanding women's health infrastructure.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this presentation participants will be able to identify the following:
• How women's health services at the state level can be enhanced by coordination among programs.
• Discuss different methods of infrastrucure-building as is being tested out by the 12 states described.
• Assess similar barriers and obstacles facing states in promoting more comprehensive, integrated women's health systems.

Keywords: Women's Health, Public Health Infrastructure

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.