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Project Name: Centers of Excellence in MCH Education, Science and Practice Program (T76)
Applicant Title: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Abstract Text: PROJECT ABSTRACT Problem: To address the complex inequities in the social determinants of health and pervasive poor maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes, the US health care and public health systems are faced with two grand challenges: loss of leaders/staff due to staff attrition or retirement; and shortage of governmental/academic MCH public health workforce reflective of groups experiencing MCH disparities. Thus, there is a dire need for strong MCH graduate training programs that can develop a cadre of culturally competent and diverse MCH professional leaders with the critical skills to tackle persistent and emerging MCH issues. To fulfill this need, the USF Center of Excellence (CoE) in MCH will develop an emerging group of highly skilled and diverse MCH leaders dedicated to achieving optimal MCH outcomes. The purpose of the USF CoE is to 1) provide didactic and experiential MCH public health training and support for graduate and postgraduate trainees; and (2) advance workforce capacity in science, research, practice, and policy in MCH, including provision of technical assistance by faculty experts. Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and mentor public health graduate students from diverse backgrounds including underrepresented students. Goal 2: Grounded in the MCH Leadership Competencies and 10 Essential Public Health Services, offer comprehensive didactic and experiential MCH curriculum and interprofessional opportunities that addresses foundational and emerging issues and concepts. Goal 3: Establish and strengthen academic-community practice partnerships with Title V agencies and MCH-related community organizations and provide technical assistance, professional development, collaboration, dissemination, and translation of evidence into programs and policies. Methodology: Guided by an Advisory Board with diverse expertise and representation, including those with lived experiences, implement an interprofessional MCH leadership training program. Activities: (1) Employ multi-pronged recruitment and holistic selection processes; (2) Provide trainee-centered mentorship, including networking and career development activities; (3) Deliver didactic coursework, experiential learning through placements with Title V/MCH organizations, and leadership development activities; (4) Coordinate MCH research and/or program implementation/evaluation projects with students, including dissemination activities; and (5) Participate in ongoing technical assistance, subject matter expertise and consultation with Title V/MCH organizations and workforce stakeholders. USF is distinctly positioned with the infrastructure, resources and track record to fulfill goals. We also have strong, long-standing partnerships locally, statewide, regionally, and nationally, including: multidisciplinary USF Centers, state Title V and local MCH community organizations; Florida Department of Health (state and county); the Florida Network of MCH Training Programs (UF-Pediatric Pulmonary Center; University of Miami-LEND; FIU-Catalyst Program), the Southeast MCH CoE-Catalyst Collaborative (USF, Tulane, Emory, UAB, FIU, USC, UAMS, UGA), and others. Evaluation: Robust monitoring, performance measurement and continuous quality improvement plan. Impact: A competent MCH workforce capable of addressing the social determinants of health, improving health systems, and decreasing health disparities and across the lifecourse.