Funded Projects

Problem:

Adolescence is a vital time to establish long-term health but missed opportunities have resulted in significant health disparities. Trained leaders are needed to develop innovative paradigms for improving adolescent health for all and to disseminate preventive interventions, improve health systems, and work with youth, families, and communities.

Goals and Objectives:

(1) To engage, develop, and support leaders in adolescent health across the 5 core MCH disciplines; (2) To develop and disseminate innovative approaches to leadership training and research to improve adolescent health; (3) To prepare and support MCH leaders to promote health equity, wellness, and reduce disparities in health and healthcare; (4) To increase the outreach, visibility, and utilization of expertise and products of the MCH community, and create innovative strategies to reach providers, parents and youth; (5) To and increase the capacity of the MCHB infrastructure to assure quality and accessible healthcare for adolescents.

Methodology:

UW LEAH will train future leaders through didactic instruction (including formal coursework), clinical training in hospital, institutional, community, and rural outreach settings, and leadership training including participation in technical assistance and research activities. Technical assistance and continuing education is offered locally, regionally, and nationally. As part of our outreach to the MCH community, we will network with and engage key stakeholders in the region and nationally to promote awareness of adolescent health issues. Innovations of our program include the creation of a number of training and educational resources related to diversity, cultural competency, and reducing health disparities. Funds are mainly used to support faculty effort, trainee stipends, trainee coursework, and hosting the annual meeting in Year 3.

Coordination:

Partners include 5 UW MCHB Leadership training programs for joint leadership training; hospital-based, institutional, community and rural outreach clinics as training sites to serve diverse underserved groups; Title V agencies in region to deliver continuing education and technical assistance; and national organizations and MCHB programs for joint initiatives.

Evaluation:

Evaluation methods for trainees include online surveys and ePortfolio tracking activities and accomplishments during training and after matriculation; 360 degree evaluations from self, supervisors, patient and family ratings. Program evaluation includes seminar evaluations; quality, number, and reach of activities and products; faculty assessments; and client satisfaction surveys. We will utilize CPI methods to make ongoing program improvements.