Health Care Task Force on Pre- and Inter-Conception Care

Background

"Since 1996, progress to improve pregnancy outcomes including low birth weight, premature birth, and infant mortality has slowed, in part, because of inconsistent delivery and implementation of interventions before pregnancy to detect, treat, and help women modify behaviors, health conditions, and risk factors that contribute to adverse maternal and infant outcomes"¹

Purpose

Aurora Women’s Health Services is bringing together a Task Force committed to working together with a strong academic partner to address the diverse needs of Milwaukee County women. The Task Force members will come together to engage in planning and assessment activities, and then create a 3-year strategic plan to move a women’s health care initiative forward.

Capacity Building Goal

Develop culturally appropriate strategies to improve women’s pre-/inter-conception care in Milwaukee County.

Objectives

• Gain information on evidence-based, best practices in pre-/inter-conception care;
• Complete a formative assessment that gives the Task Force accurate information on current pre-/inter-conception care in Milwaukee County and an understanding of gaps in services; and
• Develop an action plan designed to improve women’s access to primary, preventive pre-/inter-conception care.

Timeline

March 1, 2007 – September 30, 2008

Funding Source

Wisconsin Partnership Fund for a Healthy Future

Task Force Leaders

Aurora Women’s Health Services

• Claudette Hamm, R.N., M.H.S.A.
• Chris Van Mullem, R.N.
• Tina C. Mason, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG

Center for Urban Population Health

• Jessica Bergstrom, M.P.H.
• Melissa Lemke, M.S.

Task Force Members

Aurora Family Service

• Jane Pirsig
• Janine Tucker

Aurora Health Care

• Marge Stearns, M.P.H.
• Jackie Tillett, N.D., C.N.M.
• Debbie Waite
• Gina Graham

Center for Urban Population Health

• Loren Galvao, M.D., M.P.H.

Columbia St. Mary's

• Barbara L. Gesme, R.N.

Milwaukee Healthy Beginnings Project

• Rachel Morgan, R.N., B.S.N.

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Joseph

• (To Be Determined)

Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care

• Ann Conway

 

¹Attash HK, Johnson, K, Adams M, Cordero JF, Howse J, Time to Act on Missed Opportunities to Improve Perinatal Outcomes: preconception care, Maternal Child Health Journal, 2006.