Do you feel like you know everything you need to know about the “how-to” of collaboration? If you had the chance, what would you ask an experienced Title V director about the value of collaboration between Title V and other programs and partners? What about measurement—do you know the science behind why collaborations work (or do not) and how to quantify it? Have you ever had to convince someone of the value of Title V programs, but did not have the data or stories to back you up?
MCH professionals know that collaboration and partnership play a critical role in improving maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. The programs administered using Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant funds rely on collaborations and partnerships to address the priorities of the state or jurisdiction—no single entity has all answers. To support this vital activity of Title V programs, AMCHP engaged in a process to describe collaboration benefits, highlight key partnerships that address Title V priorities, provide resources to support process and outcome measurement of collaborations, and explore the value of partnering with Title V from a number of perspectives (economic value, value to beneficiaries of Title V programs, and value from the perspective of former Title V leaders).
AMCHP’s new collaboration home page features a variety of resources in easy-to-digest bites:
Case studies that explore partnerships and collaborations with Medicaid, legislators, and youth provide a snapshot of Title V program successful strategies, including real examples of collaboration and a checklist for action.
The Collaboration Laboratory webinar series features archived webinars that showcase effective strategies and proven practices for collaborations between Title V programs and a range of federal, state, and community entities to augment the Title V program capacity to meet the needs of MCH populations, including children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).
The archived Collaboration Science webinar series highlights measurement frameworks, tools, and resources to measure the process of collaboration to support improved relationships, trust-building, and the creation of shared experiences.
A series of tip sheets describe the basics of the measurement tools that serve as reference materials for MCH professionals.
AMCHP’s Legacies in Leadership video series features video interviews of former Title V MCH and CYSHCN leaders. Many of these leaders also served on the AMCHP Board. They reflect on some of their greatest accomplishments, the knowledge they wish they knew when they started their jobs, and inspiring (and practical) advice for those working in the field today.
The collaboration home page also features an issue brief on The Power of Prevention, which highlights the economic benefits of investing in preventive services.
In addition to the resources, a toolkit of materials on the value of Title V will be available soon. The toolkit features three stories of families who experienced significant improvements in their lives with the support of the Title V program:
A dad caring for his son with special health care needs: Norman Ospina works with his state’s Title V program to provide critical services to his son, Rajon Amaru, who has spina bifida.
A mom who shares her success working with a doula: Amiel received doula services from Black Women Supporting Black Women to have a positive and healthy pregnancy and birth.
A youth who shares her journey to public health advocacy: Sedona, who has overcome many challenges growing up, is now a youth advisor with her state’s Title V program.
The final resource on the collaboration home page, a series of learning modules on how to determine the return on investment of programs supported by Title V, will be completed later this spring.
Collaboration is essential to the success of Title V programs. But that is not just our opinion —former Title V Director Sally Fogerty thinks so too. Her advice for MCH professionals? “Be patient, be flexible, and realize that teamwork and collaboration are absolutely critical.