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Partnerships for Health UpdateGrantees of The Colorado Trust's eight-year (2005-2013), $8.6 million Partnerships for Health Initiative - designed to help improve the coordination of health services at the community level to strengthen the public health infrastructure - have begun implementing their project plans. This initiative supports 14 community health partnerships statewide, consisting of local health departments, community-based organizations, government agencies and community members. Each partnership has identified a Healthy People 2010 focus area important to its community, from addressing poor dietary habits to maximizing access to quality health care. For example, the San Juan Basin Health Department is working to eliminate methamphetamine usage in La Plata County and Southwest Colorado by coordinating and implementing innovative, research-based programs that address awareness, prevention, treatment and long-term aftercare to ensure recovery. Another example of a community collaboration under this initiative is the Denver Children's Oral Health Partnership. It will address care provided through the Early Childhood Education program and in three elementary schools associated with the Indian Education Program in Denver Public Schools. The partnership includes the Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center; the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, including representatives from the Maternal and Child Health Division; representatives from the Denver Public Schools, including school nurses and Indian educators, health advocates, and dental health advocates and providers; and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. Goals of the partnership include providing children with annual oral health screenings and preventive oral health services, as well as fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushes to families and caregivers. For more information, contact Ginger Harrell, Program Officer, 303-837-1200, ginger@coloradotrust.org. |
