Evaluation of the Mississippi Title X Family Planning Program in Meeting Reproductive and Sexual Health Needs

The United States (US) federal Title X program provides funding for affordable and accessible family planning and sexual health services through competitive grant funding across US jurisdictions. In 2022, non-profit clinic network Converge: Partners in Access became the sole Title X grantee in the state of Mississippi. Converge developed a strategic evaluation plan to ensure efficient utilization and high-quality provision of care by eligible state residents.

The study purpose is to determine the implementation climate of the Title X clinic network, including service utilization, quality improvement opportunities and challenges, and potential patients' awareness of and experience with receiving Title X-funded services.

The study utilized in-depth, semi-structured phone and in-person interviews conducted between January 2023 and May 2023 with clinic staff, administrators, providers, and potential patients to assess implementation climate, challenges in healthcare provision, and opportunities to improve Title X utilization by eligible state residents.

Researchers conducted 22 interviews with clinic staff and health care providers and 16 with potential patients. Clinic-based participants indicated the use of evidence-based practices in their respective settings-a key component of the Title X program. However, challenges to implementation were identified including understaffing, high staff turnover, difficulties with reporting and documentation, competing priorities for patients, and differences in capacity based on clinic characteristics. Potential patients identified the need for person-centered approaches to care and increased awareness and availability of Title X services in their communities.

Results from this study can inform strategies to improve service utilization by potential patients and the quality of care for Title X funded networked clinics in Mississippi. Improving the delivery of care and service utilization can ultimately better meet the reproductive and sexual health needs of patients served through the Title X funded system.