Partners in caring: a state-funded primary care initiative for children

Improving access to health care for children is a growing concern. Health goals for the year 2000, both in the nation and in the state of Wisconsin, underscore the urgency of preventive care. The Partners in Caring program is a state-funded primary care initiative involving 13 suburban public health departments that provide preventive care to uninsured and underserved children in the participating communities of the consortium. This article describes the program during the first year of well child assessments, the role of the pediatric nurse practitioner, the impact of the program, and implications for nursing practice.