The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4157.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 12:45 PM

Abstract #45257

Working Together Towards One Goal: Recommendations from California's Teen Pregancy Prevention Work Group

Anna Ramirez, MPH1, Carolynn Michaels, MBA2, Mari Taylan-Arcoleo, MPH3, and John Mikanda, MD, MPH3. (1) Office of Family Planning, State of California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street #440, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 654-0357, ARAMIREZ@DHS.CA.GOV, (2) Office of Family Planning, State of California Department of Health Services, California Department of Health Services, Office of Family Planning, 714 P Street # 550, Sacramento, CA 95814, (3) Office of Family Planning, California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street, Room 440, Sacramento, CA 95814

The California Department of Health Services (CA/DHS) administers several programs to reduce teen pregnancy. These programs have been each very successful and have contributed to the steady decline of teen pregnancy and births in the State. However, organizationally the programs have been implemented under different state administered agencies thus reducing the State’s efficiency and effectiveness in program and delivery. In March 2001, the CA/DHS convened a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Work Group to review teen pregnancy prevention programs and provide advice on future directions. This multi-disciplinary Work Group was comprised of 35 individuals representing various teen pregnancy prevention programs, State Department of Education and Social Services, research evaluators, and other individuals with expertise in teen pregnancy issues and public health issues. The purpose of the Work Group was to identify successes and challenges, chart emerging needs and issues, describe best practices, find ways to streamline administrative requirements, and make recommendations for future programmatic needs.

The Work Group expressed strong support for streamlining local and state administration as a way to save time and increase effectiveness. The recommendations from the Work Group provided the foundation and development of CA/DHS single request-for application (RFA) for four teen pregnancy prevention programs. Combining the request for application process across all programs was identified as an important strategy to simplify, coordinate, and streamline local efforts. The consolidation of efforts, building upon recent success and support for local efforts has enabled CA/DHS to redesign the future Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs in California .

Learning Objectives:

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.

U.S. Teen Pregnancy Prevention: What Works

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA