Innovative collaboration to prevent repeated adolescent pregnancies

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Program Management

Background:

• Repeated adolescent pregnancy poses significant public health challenges.
• Effective interventions require interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Existing programs provided a model for community-based initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and operation of an innovative program to prevent repeat adolescent pregnancies.
• To highlight the collaborative model between university nurse educators and county health departments.
• To attribute program success to specific management and evaluation skills.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative program, "Dollar-A-Day," was jointly developed and operated.
• The program was patterned after a successful model from Denver, Colorado.
• Key elements of assessment, building, management, and evaluation were employed.

Main Results:

• The program operated successfully for five years under joint management.
• The initiative continues to operate under the county health department's auspices.
• The collaborative framework facilitated program sustainability and effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Interagency collaboration between academic institutions and public health departments can effectively address adolescent health issues.
• The application of robust management and evaluation skills is crucial for program success.
• The "Dollar-A-Day" program serves as a successful model for preventing repeat adolescent pregnancies.