P3.D061: Innovative Funding Source for HealthySteps: County Tax Dollars

Background: HealthySteps provides early developmental support for children in pediatrician’s offices. Practices finance the HealthySteps Specialists’ (HSS) salaries, often through commercial insurance or Medicaid reimbursement for developmental screenings completed by them. In contrast, our offices have leveraged tax dollars to provide this program via grants from our county’s Children’s Services Council (CSC). CSC’s are established by county taxpayers to utilize tax dollars to fund programs that serve children and families in an evidence-based manner to achieve the best outcomes possible.

Methods: A county-wide, non-profit, private organization has banded together with multiple community programs to reduce the infant mortality rate and improve the health of pregnant women. They collaborate to maximize community resources that meet the needs of women, children, and families through a vast array of initiatives. A program manager within the larger organization applied for funding through our CSC to provide HealthySteps services at four of our practice sites (2 pediatric trainee, 1 private practice and 1 complex care group). The funder requires services beyond those provided through HealthySteps, including universal access for all families at the practice in a tiered model, closure of referrals, and Early Steps (Early Intervention) referrals as needed. The grant additionally provides Administrative Services Organization (ASO) funds to equip families with emergency needs such as food, diapers, and strollers. They also support a Safe Baby program to decrease infant mortality rates with educational information and Pack ‘N Plays if needed by a family. A HealthySteps physician champion is available for consultation.

Results: : During annual year 09/30/2022-10/01/23, our offices embedded 4 HealthySteps Specialists (HSS) in each of the teaching sites, 2 in the private practice and 1 in our complex care clinic. Between the 4 practices, the program enrolled 1,172 new families and completed follow-up visits with 3,476 families. 748 referrals to community resources were made. 230 children were referred to Early Steps. 390 ASQ’s, 82 MCHATs and 2,231 SWYC developmental screenings were completed. 171 Edinburgh postpartum depression screens outside of the SWYC were completed by mothers of infants at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months well child visits. $7,048.58 ASO dollars were spent to support additional needed supplies for families. 26 Pack ‘N Plays were provided.

Conclusion: By leveraging funds from our county’s Children’s Services Council, our pediatric group can deliver an augmented HealthySteps program at multiple sites with minimal practice expense. A project manager oversees the HealthySteps staff and outcomes with consultation from a physician champion. This model allows our Specialists to screen and provide universal access to all families in our practice for developmental issues. They are also able to complete follow-up referrals and furnish other needed items and education. Families feel supported by the specialists, the pediatrician, and the community itself.