Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Little Rock
"The Healthy Redwood Project: Combating Childhood Obesity through Effective School, Community and Public Health Partnerships." (Pictured, left to right: Zenobia Harris, Darrell Montgomery. Not pictured: Cynthia Wilborn)

This project sought to promote healthier eating and exercise activities among students in Redwood Pre-School. A survey of student diet and exercise habits was compiled with guidance from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement; a parent survey was administered to gather information regarding student diet and exercise practices and a health improvement intervention was planned and presented to parents. The group intends to continue health improvement interventions with Redwood Preschool students and parents during the 2007-08 school year.

This project's goal was to help reduce infant crib injury and deaths of at-risk infants by promoting a safe sleeping environment. The team utilized data from the 2003-2005 Safe Cribs data base, the DC Birth files and matching Medicaid files, which demonstrated the intended number of Medicaid-eligible recipients were reached and the working poor were also being served. The Safe Cribs team will continue to evaluate the program and develop additional survey instruments.

Hartford's DaTA team analyzed birth data to find precursors and trends affecting the rate of low birthweight (LBW) in the City. Two sets of birth data from 2001 to 2005 were used: official birth records from the CT DPH and data from the Maternal Infant Outreach Program (MIOP). The data demonstrated that a history of preterm births or previous SGA infant, hypertension and smoking were all factors significantly associated with LBW. Hartford presented their findings to the HHS Department's Advisory Council to actively engage them. The local health department is working on revisions and planning system integration to better address the most common preventable factors affecting birth outcomes in the city. An automatic poly- and cross-referral system is being implemented at the local health department.

Nashville's team sought to understand the potential for intervention at the time of a negative pregnancy test result, by studying female clients identified as having Rapid Repeat Pregnancy Tests (RRPT). They utilized patient encounter data from PTBMIS (Patient Tracking Billing Management Information System) and from a chart audit of patient medical records. They learned that 72% of patients with RRPT had at least one negative pregnancy test prior to a subsequent positive test; 60% reported that the current pregnancy was not intended. Delivery of a negative pregnancy test result may thus be an optimal time for preconception counseling. Next steps include development of a preconception health plan assessment for use in clinics.

Philadelphia used data to identify risk factors for infant mortality within the interconception period, to inform the creation and implementation of targeted interventions around sudden unexplained infant deaths. The team used data collection tools and best practices from other states and health agencies. One result of this project has been a modified CDC best practice Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) tool that better identifies preventable risk factors pertaining to infant deaths and an increased knowledge about those factors. Accurate data around SUIDs will better inform policies and development of appropriate interventions.

Rhode Island used qualitative and quantitative data to inform a community- based plan to decrease obesity prevalence. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and quantitative data were collected from WIC, the US Census, and an environmental scan. They formed a community coalition which produced a needs assessment report with recommendations for action. This was presented to key stakeholders. They plan to partner with existing community efforts and present their findings to potential funding partners.

San Mateo's DaTA team is developing an evaluation plan for their Blueprint for Prevention of Childhood Obesity. Data from countywide school-based surveys, physical fitness tests, and healthcare provider databases, plus task force member surveys and perceptions were used. Currently, the team is developing an evaluation report for the first year of project implementation which will soon be presente