 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Diana M. Bontá, RN, DrPH1, Joseph A. Sanchez, DrPH, REHS2, and Alfonso Rodriguez, DVM, PhD2. (1) California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street -- Suite 1253, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916.657.1425, dbonta@dhs.ca.gov, (2) California Office of Binational Border Health, 3851 Rosecrans Street, P.O. Box 85524, MS P511B, San Diego, CA 92138
Due to economic, social, and cultural ties, the health status of communities on both sides of the border between California and Mexico are unquestionably linked. Recent bio-terrorism threats have enhanced the importance of close bi-national collaboration in addressing common public health issues. This presentation reviews challenges to binational public health collaboration and offers recommendations on improving current and future collaboration efforts.
The California Office of Binational Border Health conducted a survey of public health professionals on both sides of the border in order to assess the barriers to collaboration; an analysis of laws and policies relevant to Binational collaboration was also performed.
Perceived barriers to collaboration included: policies prohibiting the use of U.S. funds for projects in Mexico, lack of protocols to exchange health data between the two countries, disparities in public health infrastructure (including funding, personnel and communications infrastructure), restrictions on the transportation of equipment and biological specimens across border.
Contrary to perceptions, one conclusion of the legislative analysis was that, on the U.S. side at least, agreements and laws exist at all levels (federal, state and local) that allow or even encourage exchange of resources and information with Mexico.
Recommendations include, establishing an umbrella bi-state strategic plan to promote binational public health, identifying mechanisms for California public health agencies to exchange resources with Mexican institutions, establishing high-speed Internet connections between public health agencies in California and Mexico, supporting further development and implementation at the state level of federal agreements or protocols for binational data exchange.
Learning Objectives:
Related Web page: www.dhs.cahwnet.gov/ps/dcdc/COBBH/
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.