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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Stephen G. Flynn, AB, Brown Medical School, P.O. Box G-8015, Providence, RI 02912, 914-629-7478, Stephen_Flynn@brown.edu, Rebecca M. Kislak, Esq, Rhode Island Family Advocacy Program, Rhode Island Legal Services, 128 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903, and Edward Feller, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Brown Medical School, Box G-A4, Providence, RI 02912.

Background : In the USA, approximately 33 million people are below the poverty level, including 40,000 children in Rhode Island (RI). As many as 50% of low-income households face serious poverty-related quality of life or healthcare issues. These include inadequate housing, lead paint exposure, cockroach or rodent infestation, and insufficient public benefits. Health care professionals may be ill-equipped to solve these issues which could be addressed by collaborating with legal services.

Objectives : We describe the organization, spectrum of issues addressed, and results obtained by the RI Family Advocacy program (RIFAP), a partnership between health care providers and legal service attorneys. RIFAP represents 100-150 clients each year; provides 10-20 training sessions to health care providers annually, and staffs an on-site desk at Hasbro Children's Hospital (HCH) for referrals.

Methods and Results: We reviewed retrospectively all records from 9/1/03 – 8/30/05 to determine cases serviced by RIFAP. During this time period RIFAP provided advice and representation in 156 cases. A total of 517 adults and children were helped. Cases included consumer (3); utilities (5); education (8); employment (5); family law (33); Medicaid/health law (10); housing (47); public benefits (58); other (11). A feedback-consultation form was developed to bridge communication/cultural gaps between lawyers and health professionals. Finally, an illustrative case demonstrating the benefits of medical-legal collaboratives is provided in this presentation.

Conclusion: Health professionals should be aware of potential benefits of medical-legal collaboratives. On-site legal assistance in health care clinics for the poor can enhance the health of children and families.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• Identify housing, food, infestation and family law issues that affect the health of low-income children.
• Assess the organization, spectrum of issues, and potential of medical-legal collaboratives to improve the health of low-income children and families.
• Describe the legal, financial, and operational barriers to medical-legal collaboratives.

Keywords: Child Health Promotion, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation