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Syracuse Healthy Start

An Effective Practice

Description

The growing number of incarcerated pregnant women represent a high-risk population due to substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and unstable living environments. This population experiences many barriers to obtaining adequate prenatal care. In 2001, the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) created comprehensive program to provide in-jail obstetrical and risk-reduction care coordination for pregnant inmates. This program is composed of routine prenatal care, diagnostic obstetric services, Public Health Team (PHT) nurse visits, screening for behavioral risks, HIV testing/counseling, and monitoring care, all received through enrollment into the Syracuse Healthy Start database.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to provide prenatal care services to incarcerated pregnant women.

Results / Accomplishments

In first year of program, the obstetrician provided care to 77 percent of pregnant women incarcerated more than seven days. PHT nurses contacted 71.7 percent of the women and provided services to 47 percent. Women receiving PHT services delivered babies at an increased average gestational age of 38.3 weeks and 3066.7 grams. The health department concludes that providing in-jail medical and behavioral care coordination enhances the quality of care for pregnant incarcerated women.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Onondaga County Health Department
Primary Contact
Silvia Teran, Director of Women's Health Services
421 Montgomery Street, 9th Floor
Syracuse, New York 13202
(315) 435-3252
hlstera@health.ongov.net
http://www.ongov.net/health/
Topics
Health / Maternal, Fetal & Infant Health
Health / Family Planning
Health / Women's Health
Organization(s)
Onondaga County Health Department
Source
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Date of publication
2005
Date of implementation
2001
Location
Onondaga County, NY
For more details
Target Audience
Women