Press Release

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Three innovative public health programs in Contra Costa that improve the long term health of pregnant women and their families were recognized as model practices by their national peers.

The programs, all components of Contra Costa Health Services' (CCHS) Life Course Perspective, were three of only 39 nationwide to be honored at the 2012 annual conference of the National Association of County and City Health Officials for demonstrating exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a local public health need.

CCHS Family, Maternal and Child Health Director Lorena Martinez-Ochoa said the programs utilize the Life Course Perspective to help at-risk women by offering resources and tools they need to improve their health and the health of their families. "We're helping them address whatever issues they're facing—whether they are related to stress, money or legal problems—so they and their children will have more opportunities to improve health," Martinez-Ochoa said. "This type of proactive approach to family health can lay a solid foundation for generations to come."

The honored programs are the Inter-Conception Depression/Anxiety Screening, Education and Referral Program, which identifies depression in new or expectant mothers and connects them with community organizations and CCHS public health nurses to overcome depression; the Lift Every Voice Program, which works with pregnant incarcerated women to ensure they get the services they need to make the best choices for their children while incarcerated; and the Building Economic Security Today Project, which helps families build their financial security and stability to improve health.

CCHS Public Health Director Dr. Wendel Brunner said the awards reflect the health department's commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities for the most vulnerable populations. "That three of our programs were selected shows how a truly integrated health department can take advantage of its resources and programs to help the community it serves."

To find out more about the Family, Maternal and Child Health Program, visit www.cchealth.org/groups/fmch/

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