Public Health - Seattle & King County

999 Third Avenue, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98104

The goal of the Community Support for Infant Morality Prevention project are to decrease infant mortality and to improve birth outcomes for low-income, high risk women in the African American, Native American and Latino communities of King County. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Infant Mortality Prevention Network, comprised of 10 community based organizations that carry out activities in their respective communities and/or areas of expertise.

Specific objectives are to: increase the number of women of childbearing age, particularly those at high risk, who receive preventive health services; increase the number of clients linked to services; establish and improve referral system linkages between project staff and providers serving clients; and increase awareness among clients about factors affecting birth outcomes. Approximately 500 women of childbearing age and their families are identified each year through street outreach, community events, and other activities, and provided assistance in obtaining health related services and material support. Health care needs are assessed, and women are linked to services, particularly prenatal care and Maternity Support Services/Infant Case Management, family health care, reproductive health, and chemical dependency treatment. Culturally appropriate events are held to educate women and their families about preventive health services in King County. Assistance is also provided in applying for health insurance and other public benefits. Case management services ensure that women get into health services, and can include help in finding providers, transportation assistance, and referrals to WIC and other food assistance programs, depending upon need. Referrals are also provided for doula services (labor support) to ensure that clients are appropriately linked with childbirth support at delivery. Education on positive health behaviors, such as smoking cessation, adequate nutrition, and physical activity, is provided through one-on-one and group activities. Community health education is provided through other events, including health fairs and media outlets, to increase awareness of factors affecting birth outcomes. Other activities focus on strengthening collaboration of the coalition, and ensuring success of referrals among community clinics, public health nurses and providers.