Oral

Although US childhood immunization rates have risen over the past 2 decades, disparities continue with lower rates among children living in poverty, among urban children and among black and Hispanic children. This session will focus on child health disparities, beginning with an innovative approach to improving childhood immunization rates. We next will discuss ways to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for children with diabetes by working with schools. The prevalence of obesity is highest among poor and minority children, and our next presentation will discuss ways to prevent obesity through with an early childhood focus on nutrition and physical activity. Innovative use of new technology (Geographic Information System or GIS) will be discussed as a way to prevent lead poisoning. Finally we will discuss ways to reduce disparities by improving access to care through a Massachusetts-based collaboration between the state Medicaid program and community outreach workers as part of the state’s health reform efforts.

Session Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be better able to: • List several best practices and policies to improving public school student immunization rates in an urban setting • Explain how to develop a plan for establishment and utilization of health guides for use in school and community settings • Recognize the usefulness of GIS Technology in identifying children at-risk for lead poisoning • List the best education, outreach and enrollment practices for Community Outreach Workers

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing