A2 - Building Bridges for Better Health: The Critical Role of Family as Partners in Title V Programs
Sunday, April 14, 2024
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM PT
Location: Grand Ballroom DE
During the Zika Outbreak, the PR-CSHCN Program had the opportunity of recruiting 14 families with lived experience (2017) to give support to pregnant women with positive labs for possible Zika infection. Because of their positive impact on the program, as the Zika public health emergency reached its end (2022) the CSHCN Program managed to stay with at least seven of the 14 families. This workshop is about their stories, challenges, and their processes to: 1- better understand their roles as people with lived experiences, 2- grow in leadership, 3- win staff’s respect and 4- be an active part of the program’s teamwork. From our own experience, we will present the benefits of active involvement of families in healthcare settings, emphasizing the positive outcomes for individuals, families, and the healthcare system. The presentation will discuss the importance of effective communication, shared decision-making, and support between families and healthcare professionals. By actively participating in health care programs, families can contribute to better outcomes, improved adherence to treatment plans, enhanced overall quality of life, and make health care professionals more aware and sensitive about the reality of families. Examples will be shared about how intentional family/professional partnerships can help satisfy family’s needs and impact family engagement and health equity.