Overview
Altarum partnered with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to implement a HRSA-funded, Diversity and Health Equity Peer Learning Collaborative to effectively address diversity and health equity within Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Training programs. Participants came from across the US and included faculty members, university partners, trainees, and community agencies.
Our Approach
Altarum led the implementation of the Collaborative, from an initial background needs assessment to follow-up technical assistance and evaluation. Our work on the Collaborative included monthly webinars, web-based team sharing opportunities, resource sharing, and individualized technical assistance to prepare and train the next generation of MCH professionals to address health disparities and inequality.
Results
Our preliminary findings show that, because of the Collaborative, the MCH workforce is more equipped to address racial inequities, diversity, and health disparities in graduate programs. Participants report increased communication and collaboration across MCH training programs and universities, a strengthened commitment to diversity, and an increased awareness of implicit bias.
Contact Us
Julia Fantacone - MPP, PMP
Areas of Expertise
- Social Policy Analysis
- Qualitative Research and Evaluation
- Program Implementation and Technical Assistance
Julia Fantacone is a project manager in Altarum’s Community Health practice area. For over 12 years, she has leveraged her educational background in public administration, social policy, public health, and project management to lead interdisciplinary teams supporting research, technical assistance, and capacity building projects for a broad array of federal and state agencies and community-based organizations. This includes her current role as co-director of the MCH Workforce Performance and Capacity Building project for HRSA MCHB. Julia holds a master’s degree in public policy from American University and a graduate certificate in public health from the George Washington University. She is a project management professional certified by the Project Management Institute.