 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Vanessa K. Dalton, MD, MPH, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., L4000 Women's, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0276, Julie Berson Grand, MPH, Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (734) 332-4499, jbgrand@umich.edu, Carol S. Weisman, PhD, Department of Health Evaluation Sciences, A210, Penn State College of Medicine, 600 Centerview Drive, Suite 2200, Hershey, PA 17033-0855, and Peter D. Jacobson, JD, MPH, Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 109 Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029.
Safety net providers, including recipients of Title X funding for family planning services, remain a crucial piece of the health care delivery system for Michigan’s medically underserved. While all safety net providers are facing significant challenges, family planning providers have unique obstacles, which may influence their strategic response and even their survival.
A multiple case study design was used to identify the differences between family planning safety net providers and other providers in their strategic responses to current challenges. We conducted semi-structured interviews (n=71) with key stakeholders in 18 health care safety net organizations in Michigan, including 9 Title X agencies. The interviews collected information on current challenges and opportunities, the organization’s strategic planning process, and recent or pending organizational responses to these challenges and opportunities.
Most safety net organizations in Michigan are developing new strategic plans in response to current pressures. Title X family planning organizations tend to have highly specific missions compared to other safety net providers; consequently, mission-changing strategies are often met with significant resistance in these organizations. Other differences in strategic responses between Title X recipients and other safety net providers include solicitation of funding, revenue generating strategies and activities aimed at establishing a loyal patient base. In spite of these efforts, family planning services remain particularly vulnerable to current economic and political challenges in many organizations. This situation poses a serious threat to the availability of affordable family planning services for poor women in Michigan.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Reproductive Health, Safety Net
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.