Action Learning Labs (ALLs) are intensive training programs that bring diverse state agencies and programs together to tackle priority issues in maternal and child health. AMCHP designed the labs to promote collaboration at the state level and improve family health programs. In these sessions, state teams learn about an issue, share their unique perspectives and create action plans to address that issue in their state. AMCHP has conducted ALLs since 1996 on a range of topics including Medicaid and SCHIP reforms, perinatal HIV transmission (PHIV), and Perinatal Disparities.
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Among Women of Reproductive Age: Phase I
In March 2004 AMCHP conducted the first in a two-phase Action Learning Lab on Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Among Women of Reproductive Age. Teams from 5 states (HI, WI, ND, MN, MO) worked together to develop action plans to address smoking among women of reproductive age. AMCHP collaborated with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Women's Tobacco Prevention Network to develop and implement the Action Learning Lab. Three to four of the state teams will reconvene in July 2004 to share and evaluate their progress.
The links below are to presentations from Phase I of the Action Learning Lab. If you have questions about any of the presentations, please contact Sara Gordon at sgordon@amchp.org.
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Among Women of Reproductive Age: Phase II
On July 27 and 28, four state teams from MO, MN, ND, and HI came together in Washington D.C. for the the second phase of the Action Learning Lab.
State teams included the MCH Tobacco Contact, a representative from ACOG’s state chapter, the state office of PPFA, and a fourth team member of the state’s choosing; individuals included the Tobacco Control Contact, the Chief of the Chronic Disease Branch, representatives from Women’s Health, WIC, Family Health, and Health Promotion units with in state health agencies.
The purpose of the ALL was to increase the capacity of the state teams to advance their state action plans they began to develop in the first phase of the ALL in March 2004. States had the opportunity to share challenges, provide input on addressing the challenges, and spent a majority of their time together refining their state action plans.
AMCHP, in partnership with the other collaborators, will be conducting follow-up calls with the state teams at 3, 6, and 9 months to discuss the state’s progress at implementing their plan. AMCHP, also in partnership with the abovementioned organizations, intends to replicate this process with five new states in the fall of 2004 and spring of 2005.