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Maternal and Child Health Journal
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 2/2014

01-02-2014

Building Economic Security Today: Making the Health–Wealth Connection in Contra Costa County’s Maternal and Child Health Programs

Authors: Padmini Parthasarathy, Dawn E. Dailey, Maria-Elena D. Young, Carrie Lam, Cheri Pies

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

In recent years, maternal and child health professionals have been seeking approaches to integrating the Life Course Perspective and social determinants of health into their work. In this article, we describe how community input, staff feedback, and evidence from the field that the connection between wealth and health should be addressed compelled the Contra Costa Family, Maternal and Child Health (FMCH) Programs Life Course Initiative to launch Building Economic Security Today (BEST). BEST utilizes innovative strategies to reduce inequities in health outcomes for low-income Contra Costa families by improving their financial security and stability. FMCH Programs’ Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) conducted BEST financial education classes, and its Medically Vulnerable Infant Program (MVIP) instituted BEST financial assessments during public health nurse home visits. Educational and referral resources were also developed and distributed to all clients. The classes at WIC increased clients’ awareness of financial issues and confidence that they could improve their financial situations. WIC clients and staff also gained knowledge about financial resources in the community. MVIP’s financial assessments offered clients a new and needed perspective on their financial situations, as well as support around the financial and psychological stresses of caring for a child with special health care needs. BEST offered FMCH Programs staff opportunities to engage in non-traditional, cross-sector partnerships, and gain new knowledge and skills to address a pressing social determinant of health. We learned the value of flexible timelines, maintaining a long view for creating change, and challenging the traditional paradigm of maternal and child health.
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Metadata
Title
Building Economic Security Today: Making the Health–Wealth Connection in Contra Costa County’s Maternal and Child Health Programs
Authors
Padmini Parthasarathy
Dawn E. Dailey
Maria-Elena D. Young
Carrie Lam
Cheri Pies
Publication date
01-02-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-013-1309-7

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