OC Children And Families Commission Renews Funding For Program Serving Newborns

Over $7.9 Million Awarded to Successful Program, Including Funding for “House Calls”, at October Meeting

IRVINE, CA – (October 2006) -The Children and Families Commission of Orange County renewed funding support for the Bridges for Newborns program for another two years at their October meeting. The Commission’s action followed a receipt of an evaluation that confirmed the hospital and community based health program was demonstrating a positive impact on the community.

The Bridges for Newborns was established as a partnership between the major birthing hospitals and community based organizations to provide needed services to all newborns in Orange County, and ensure that they have access to preventative health services at a medical home, such as a pediatrician.

“The Bridges coordinators and home visitors are wonderful ambassadors to the community and are helping children to be healthy and ready to learn when they start school,” said Sally Snyder, Chair of the Children and Families Commission. “Our funding actions are based upon a review of program outcomes, and the Bridges for Newborns has demonstrated significant accomplishments over the past years.”

During the past 12-months the Bridges for Newborns achieved the following:

• 24,713 families were screened for risk, representing 89% of all births in Bridges hospitals
• 16% of families screened were referred to a home visitation service provider
• 1,163 families received long-term home visitation services; receiving a total of 9,878 home visits
• 100% of children were assessed for health coverage needs; follow-up was provided to ensure that 121 children were newly enrolled in health insurance plans
• 2,563 home safety checks were conducted and injury prevention education provided

The Commission also approved continued funding for breastfeeding promotion activities at the birthing hospitals to increase the relatively low rates of breastfeeding in Orange County through educational and supportive services. There will also be continued training for health care professionals to support breastfeeding promotion activities.

The Children and Families Commission of Orange County oversees the allocation of Proposition 10 that added a 50-cent sales tax on tobacco products sold in California to fund education, health and child development programs for children from the prenatal stage to age five and their families. For more information please visit the Commission’s website at www.childrenandfamilies.com.