Funded Projects

Problem:

San Ysidro Health (SYHealth) is requesting Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (HTPCP) grant funds to support its proposed Latinos Understanding the Need for InTegrated Adherence (LUNITA) Program for Children & Families. The proposed LUNITA Program addresses the need for increased access to culturally proficient and coordinated pediatric care services specific to the needs of low-income Latino families throughout San Diego County's impoverished border communities.

Goals and Objectives:

The overarching goal of SYHealth's proposed LUNITA Program is to ensure children who are overweight or obese will reduce their risk of developing a serious chronic health condition through increased access and engagement with comprehensive pediatric medical care and prevention services, as well as engagement with local community organizations and schools to improve access to support services for children and families. Specific program objectives include: 1. By August 31, 2021, SYHealth will develop the culturally and linguistically competent comprehensive LUNITA Program for children and families aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Bright Futures frameworks for Promoting Healthy Weight, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Family Support. 2. By February 28, 2026, the LUNITA team will outreach to 1,350 children with overweight/obesity and their parents/families in comprehensive pediatric care coordination and prevention services. (Yearly breakdown: 150 in the 2nd half of Year 1-pilot phase; 300 per year in Years 2 to 5.) 3. By February 28, 2026, 675 children with overweight/obesity and their parents/families will receive comprehensive care services under the LUNITA Program. (Yearly breakdown: 75 in the 2nd half of Year 1-pilot phase; 150 per year in Years 2 to 5.) 4. By February 28, 2026, 75% of children and their parents/family who participate in LUNITA will achieve their patient-centered SMART goals and demonstrate improvements in health outcomes within 1 year of being enrolled in program.

Methodology:

The proposed LUNITA Program will expand and integrate SYHealth's pediatric Care Coordination, Health Education, and clinical services for children and their parents/families. Program activities will be implemented at two SYHealth clinic sites, 1) SYHealth Maternal and Child Health Center, and 2) Chula Vista Pediatrics.

Coordination:

SYHealth's proposed LUNITA Program includes the following specific community collaborations, including: American Academy of Pediatrics -- California Chapter Three (AAPCA3), San Diego D8 Promise Neighborhood, and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) -- South Region Administration.

Evaluation:

SYHealth's program evaluation activities will be led by its Research and Health Promotion Department leadership, including the Program Director and Program Manager, both of whom have extensive expertise in developing program policies/procedures and data tracking/evaluation.