M. Antonia Biggs, PhD¹, Nancy Berglas, MHS¹, Claire Brindis, DrPH¹, Adrienne Brown, BA¹, and Anna Ramirez, MPH². (1) Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 265, San Francisco, CA 94143-0936, 415-476-9813, antonia@itsa.ucsf.edu, (2) Office of Family Planning, State of California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street #440, Sacramento, CA 95814

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are uniquely positioned to conduct outreach and provide referrals to those in need of family planning/reproductive health (FP/RH) services. A better understanding of CBOs’ attitudes, policies, and patterns of referrals would help FP/RH programs design and improve coordinated outreach efforts. This study sought to understand to what extent CBOs in California are referring their clients to the state family planning program, Family PACT, and to assess CBOs experiences with collaborative partnerships. A total of 214 organizations serving populations in need of low-cost FP/RH services from ten California counties were surveyed. Participating organizations included substance abuse, youth development, education, housing, mental health, social service, and job placement/training programs, as well as food banks, cultural centers, and health clinics, among others. Less than one-third (30%) of CBOs reported that they refer their clients for contraceptive services. Factors preventing referrals included lack of information about available resources (30%) and lack of information about eligibility for other programs (28%). Most CBOs reported that they are involved in formal collaborative partnerships (81%). The primary goals of these collaborative groups included discussing common goals and objectives (84%), informal networking (69%), and referrals (65%). The most significant barriers to working with other organizations included lack of time or resources (57%), different organizational philosophies (38%) and different goals and expectations (36%). Thus, while CBOs are heavily involved with collaborative partnerships, a number of barriers need to be addressed so that they are better able to refer their clients to FP/RH services.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. List barriers faced by CBOs in working with other organizations
• 2. Describe CBOs’ experiences with collaboration and referrals
• 3. Identify how the collaborative experiences of CBOs in urban versus rural areas differ

Keywords: Access to Care, Community Collaboration

Related Web page: www.familypact.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Family PACT
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: This evaluation research was funded by the state of California, Office of Family Planning.