Recorded presentation

Lisa Jones, BS, RN, Graduate Nursing, LaSalle University, 44 Farrell Ave, Trenton, NJ 08618, 609-88-3576, skeet1190@yahoo.com and Sharon Starr, MSN, LaSalle University, LaSalle Neighborhood Nursing Center, 1900 West Olney Avenue, Box 808, Philadelphia, PA 19141.

Young children living in Trenton, NJ are more likely to be diagnosed with asthma and elevated blood lead levels than their suburban counterparts. This May 2004 MSN-Public Health candidate’s two semester project targets a minimum of 25 pregnant and parenting women and staff involved in Children’s Futures Northward Parenting Center in Trenton, NJ. This is one of four Trenton sites participating in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Children’s Future Initiative five year grant. The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey is the grant administrator. The “Staying Healthy” project evolved from documented needs of young parents and the staff to increase their knowledge and skill level to identify and manage environmental threats that jeopardize their children’s health. Staff trainings, one on one in home environmental assessments and education as well as monthly parenting sessions are components of the project. Environmental assessments for Families with Asthma and Lead were developed by the student and utilized in home and other community settings. Emphasis was placed on educating young parents to recognize signs and symptoms of environmental risks, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment and the elimination/control of adverse environmental exposures. This presentation describes the learning curve of the participants, student and staff. Outcomes regarding the acquisition of skills to manage environmental childhood health threats using pre and post questionnaires will be reported. Other data include referrals to primary care providers for screening and care, the number of children screened for lead exposure, and eligibility for the Trenton Asthma Project for families at highest risk for asthma sequelae. The opportunity to be a change agent as a graduate public health nursing student on significant environmental health issues has facilitated outreach and ongoing work with other community organizations. Outreach activities and opportunities for future work are outlined.

Learning Objectives: "Upon completion of the program participants will be able to

• Discuss significant issues related to environmental health in Trenton, NJ."
• Evaluate the potential of the Staying Healthy Project's effectiveness."
• List two goals of the Children's Furtures Initiative."
• Identify three or more environmental threats to children living in Trenton, NJ."

Keywords: Asthma, Environmental Health

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.

Recorded presentation