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Deneen Long-White and Eleanor Padgett, MSW. Maternal and Family Health Administration, District of Columbia Department of Health, 825 North Capitol Street NE 3rd floor Room 3181, Washington, DC 20002, 202-442-9343, dlong-white@dchealth.com
In 1999, the District’s infant mortality rate increased for the first time since 1994. In addition, there was an ever-widening gap in other perinatal health outcomes. Recommendations from the District of Columbia Child Fatality Review Committee and results from an examination of existing community-based networks that provide prenatal and postpartum services to pregnant women and their families lead the Department of Health to approach District hospitals in an effort to address these issues. The resulting plan was a unique safety net collaboration with great potential for improving health outcomes for women and their families. It involved the Department of Health funding a Discharge Planner position in each of the District’s hospitals to work with existing staff (nurses, social workers, etc.) to address the health and social needs of women and their families prior to and after discharge in an effort to ensure a successful transition from hospital to home. The advantages of such an arrangement are many but the most positive aspect is the ability of the program to identify at-risk families earlier and provide the type of support they need to improve their health. In addition, it has helped each partner gain a better understanding and respect for the work that the other conducts. The Discharge Planning Program is a positive example of public/private partnerships formed to address health disparities affecting the community. This presentation will discuss the planning and implementation phases of the Hospital Discharge Planning Program and the benefits of working with hospitals to address health disparities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Health Disparities
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.