North Carolina’s Preconception Health Initiative

Alvina Long Valentin, RN, MPH, NC DPH, Women’s Health Branchalvina.long@dhhs.nc.gov 919-707-5708

NC Preconception Health Initiative

Preconception Health Leadership Team comprised of representatives from UNC, DPH, March of Dimes and Folic Acid Council

90 participants in Preconception Health Thinktank meetings

Participants include representatives from DPI, local health departments, public and private universities, DHHS, community based organizations, non-profit agencies and consumers

Preconception Health Initiative Minutes and other pertinent information are posted on everywomannc.org

Strategic Planning and Action Steps

March 2007 - December 2009

Series of 6 Think Tank meetings to collaboratively develop a state preconception health strategic plan

Examined quantitative and qualitative data, chose 2 focus areas of Pregnancy Intendedness and WOW - Women and Overweight/Obesity and Related Conditions

NC Strategic Plan Released November 2008

January 2008 – June 2008

2 workgroups meet separately - working on goals, strategies and potential partners

June 2008 – present Restructuring from 2 workgroups to 4 workgroups

meeting separately – working on prioritizing, action steps, potential partners and funding opportunities

Moving from Strategies to Action

Preconception Health Initiative Workgroups

1. Increase Consumer and Community Awareness about Preconception Health

2. Ensure Quality Preconception Care and Practice among Health Care Providers and Community Outreach Workers

3. Expand Access and Affordability of Preconception Care

4. Advocate for Environmental and Policy Changes that Support Preconception Health

Quantitative Data Review 2007 - 2008

Moving in the Right DirectionNC Women Age 18 – 44 years:

Intended Pregnancy: 52% (NC PRAMS 2006)60% (NC PRAMS 2007)

Takes folic acid at least 5 days a week: 29% (NC BRFSS 2007)

Takes folic acid daily: 38% (NC BRFSS 2008)

Quantitative Data Review 2007 - 2008

Moving in the Right Direction:NC Women Age 18 – 44 years

Tobacco Use: 24% (NC BRFSS 2007) 21% (NC BRFSS 2008)

Uninsured: 25% (NC BRFSS 2007) 22% (NC BRFSS 2008)

Quantitative Data Review 2007 - 2008

Moving in the Right DirectionNC Women Age 18 – 44 years:

Case Rate per 100,000

Early Syphilis (PSEL) 7.2 (2007) 4.9 (2008)

Gonorrhea 451 (2007) 412.8 (2008)

Quantitative Data Review 2007 – 2008

No Change or Slight Increase in 2008:NC Women Age 18 – 44 years

Binge Drinking 11% Obesity 29%Overweight 28% Hypertension 10% NC BRFSS 2007, n/a in 2008

Diabetes 4%Poor Mental Health 28% Has Not Visited a Dental Clinic in Past Year 30%NC BRFSS 2008

Quantitative Data Review 2007 – 2008

Increase in 2008:NC Women Age 18 – 44 years

Case Rate per 100,000

Chlamydia 1233.0 (2007) 1500.1 (2008)

Living with HIV/AIDS 239.7 (2007) 327.8 (2008)

Update on Funding Opportunity

DPH and partnering agencies awarded funding by HRSA’s Maternal Child Health Bureau grant, First Time Motherhood/New Parent Initiative

September 2008 – August 2010

Social marketing campaign that promotes having a reproductive life plan and utilization of the N.C. Family Health Resource Line

Trainings for health care providers, community outreach workers and faith-based communities,– many educational/promotional materials developed

Priority population is men and women ages 15 – 29 who are disproportionately affected by adverse pregnancy outcomes, including racial/ethnic minorities.

The project area includes 6 northeastern counties – Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Nash and Northampton

Update on Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity

Partnering Agencies

N.C. Healthy Start FoundationN.C. Family Health Resource LineUNC Center for Maternal and Infant Health,March of Dimes, Folic Acid CouncilLocal health departments and WIC programs Center for Health and Healing UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center N.C. DPH Women’s Health Branch

Moving Forward

Continue workgroup action steps – meet on an annual basis with larger preconception health initiative

Continue to review women’s health indicators on an annual basis

Share findings with state preconception health initiative workgroups

Thank You for Your Support !The NC Leadership Team

Anna Bess Brown, MPH, State Program Director, March of Dimes

Amy Mullenix, MSW, MSPH, State Coordinator, NC Folic Acid Campaign

Cindy Haynes Morgan, MSA-PA, BS HEd, RHEd, Education and Community Program Coordinator, Diabetes Prevention and Control Branch, NC Division of Public Health

Judy Ruffin, MPA, Program Manager, Women’s Health Branch, NC Division of Public Health

Sarah Verbiest, MSW, MPH, DrPH, Executive Director of the University of North Carolina’s Center for Maternal and Infant Health

Alvina Long Valentin, RN, MPH, Women’s Health Network Supervisor, Women’s Health Branch, NC Division of Public Health