Conference Abstract Compendium Examples from the ... - CityMatCH

2009 CityMatCH Urban MCH Leadership Conference• Collaboration with the California Family Health Council (CFHC) which oversees the Title X FamilyPlanning Clinics in the state.• Development of a comprehensive preconception health website.ACCOMPLISHMENTS/RESULTSCDPH/MCAH launched everywomancalifornia.org, a website that serves as a hub for preconceptionhealth promotion activities in the state. Through its work with the CFHC, CDPH/MCAH is developing areproductive life planning tool that will become an integral part of the family planning services providedby the Title X clinics by 2015. Collaboration with partners in the LHJs has resulted in a shift in thinkingabout how we can improve maternal and child health, as evidenced by the fact that preconception healthwas rated a priority by staff in charge of local MCAH programs. These collaborative efforts have beenbolstered by the growing national preconception health movement, which has been reinforced by the CDCand other public health leaders across the country.BARRIERSAsking people to change their way of thinking, especially if it has been the standard for decades, isdifficult. People worry that new ideas mean more work. State agencies are often rooted in set way ofconducting business and may be resistant to change, especially in tough budget times. Transitioning folksto web-based information resources has also presented a challenge since some staff fear technology.LESSONS LEARNEDWe have learned to be open communicators, patient listeners and passionate leaders with a clear vision.We have seen the power of a public/private partnership with broad representation and we have learned tofind creative ways around barriers to collaboration that sometimes arise within state government.Ultimately our success lies in emphasizing that we are encouraging a new approach, not a new program,that will better serve mothers and babies in the state.INFORMATION FOR REPLICATIONThis program is funded with our Title V monies. We can give more information about the budget and thestakeholders who have shaped the Initiative (members of the PHCC primarily) during our presentation.57