Few conditions arouse the gamut of social, emotional and financial implications as an infestation of head lice. Absences from school, lost wages and unsuccessful treatment intensify a distressing situation. An organizing group, Healthy Communities approached parents, school administrators, juvenile justice, public health agencies and community groups to discuss head lice and keeping kids in school. From this the Head Lice Resource Team was formed with a focus on community collaboration. For its efforts, the Team received the Oregon Governor's Award for Community Partnership in 1999.
The Head Lice Resource Team's Community Advisory Board oversees this collaborative effort. The staff is comprised of a school nurse, a community health worker and an office assistant with management support from each agency.
The Team focuses on prevention and education, and works directly with community agencies to provide services to families and the community. Services provided include education, home visits, phone advice and in home assistance to families who are unable to eliminate head lice on their own. The Team's approach stretches resources, avoids duplication, develops new ideas, and is inclusive of all community members regardless of ethnicity, class, age and gender. These elements result in improved services for Portland area families and the community and keeps kids in school.
Our presentation will focus on the model of the Head Lice Resource Team and the successes and challenges of a community collaboration.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Service Delivery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.