KaSandra N. Rogiers, BA, Enid Castro, BA, and Nabila Alibhai, BA. Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale University, 558 Whitney Ave #3, New Haven, CT 06511, 610-764-7258, KaSandra.Rogiers@yale.edu

Introduction. Previous research indicates budget cuts for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) in Connecticut since 2001 have had adverse effects on the infrastructure for care and services available to vulnerable populations. To address ongoing trends in diminishing funds, the March of Dimes, Connecticut Chapter and students at Yale School of Epidemiology and Public Health have conducted the second of two studies examining the effects of recent cuts on Connecticut MCH services. Underscoring the impact of ongoing resource loss should empower efforts encouraging policymakers to this crisis. Survey Methods. Self-administered surveys were sent to directors of health departments, hospitals, community health clinics, and Planned Parenthood agencies in Connecticut providing MCH care. Questions addressed client demographics, types of services provided, reductions in services, number of the patients served, operating hours, staff numbers, and funding during past, present and future cycles (2001-2005). Descriptive statistics summarized service and funding changes over the past two years with respect to agency and client characteristics and projecting potential effects in the coming year. Results. Findings confirm a trend of increased budget cuts for maternal and child health agencies, rising from 6.5 % of the budget in 2001-2002, 9% in 2003-2004 and TBD for the year 2004-2005. Agencies reported reductions in hours of operation and staff capacity with an increase in the number of clients. Conclusions. MCH services continue to erode in Connecticut due to fewer staff, reduced hours and increased clients. Declines in MCH outcomes are expected in the general population, especially for low-income women and children.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Assess the impact of legislative budget cuts on Maternal and Child health services.
• 2. Describe the relationship between service and funding changes and the Maternal and Child Health Infrastructure.
• 3. Evaluate the health risks for women and children in Connecticut, in light of recent cutbacks.
• 4. List the subsequent structural, economic, and political barriers to care for vulnerable women and children in Connecticut.

Keywords: Access and Services, Maternal and Child Health

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.