DOH is one of three states selected by the Early Childhood Developmental Health Systems (ECDHS): Evidence to Impact Center to take part in a multiyear project to advance comprehensive early childhood developmental systems across the state.
As part of the project, Washington will serve as an implementation site and receive technical assistance to identify strengths and opportunities for systems-building, connect with other states and subject matter experts, and have access to curated resources. Implementation sites will define and contribute to short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes in their state, building on previous efforts to reach system changes and improve health for young children and families.
“This is a unique opportunity to co-design strategies with communities experiencing high levels of childhood poverty by building on strengths and addressing areas of opportunity to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities,” said Lacy M. Fehrenbach, MPH, Chief of Prevention, Safety, and Health, DOH. “The focus on childhood poverty within this work also aligns with the 10-year plan to dismantle poverty in Washington. Together with our partners, we are committed to strengthening coordination with communities and embracing innovation that creates pathways for solutions.”
DOH will partner with WithinReach/Help Me Grow Washington, First Five Fundamentals/Washington Communities for Children, the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Health Care Authority to improve coordination between state and community-based partners to use existing infrastructure, resources, and planned initiatives to strengthen connections between community-based navigators/coordinators.
See the Department of Health news release for additional details.
Related links
Projects on WA Portal support health care providers and communities in maternal and child health learn about their work:
Birth Equity Project
Child Health
Pregnant, Parenting, Children, Families and Substance Use Workgroup