FUNDED PROJECTS Grant Status: Active Grant Title: USF Center of Excellence in MCH Education, Science, and Practice Web Site: University of South Florida Project  Image Modified Project Director(s):Karen D. Liller, PhD, CPH, AAAS
Professor and Director of Academic Graduate Programs
Department of Community and Family Health
College of Public Health
University of South Florida
13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56
Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: (813) 974-7047
Email: KLiller@health.usf.edu
Problem:To ensure optimal maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes, there is a need for a highly trained MCH workforce capable of improving integration across MCH service systems, developing interdisciplinary approaches to address the social determinants of health and disparities, and leading continuous quality improvement within the context of contemporary public health transformation. Therefore, the two-fold purpose of the USF Center of Excellence in MCH is to prepare a cadre of highly skilled MCH leaders for achieving optimal MCH outcomes and to advance MCH education, science, and practice.
Goals and Objectives:
Goal 1: Implement an interdisciplinary, high quality master and doctoral level training and professional development curriculum, designed to meet MCH leadership competencies, in order to ensure a highly skilled MCH workforce in education, science, and practice; Goal 2: Recruit and support a diverse and culturally competent MCH workforce that can work towards reducing health disparities and promoting health equity through education, science and practice; Goal 3: Promote interdisciplinary/interprofessional training, practice and inter-organizational collaborations to improve the quality of care by enhancing systems integration for MCH populations; and Goal 4: Develop, disseminate and translate knowledge to advance science-based practice, innovation and quality improvement in MCH education, science and practice. Methodology:Offer an innovative MCH leadership competency-based, interdisciplinary and interprofessional academic program for future (master/doctoral students) and current MCH health professionals. Key activities include: (1) utilizing a highly selective application process; (2) providing curricula (didactic and experiential) that reflect MCH systems integration and cross-cutting application of MCH leadership competencies; (3) matching scholars with an academic, state /local mentors with expertise in Title V and MCH-related programs; (4) requiring scholars to pursue MCHfocused applied research; (5) supporting students in dissemination activities; and (6) continuing collaborations, continuous education, and technical assistance with Title V and other partners. Coordination:The USF MCH program has a strong collaborative network to link academia with practice locally, statewide and regionally, including coordinated efforts with: multidisciplinary MCH Centers at USF, University of Florida, University of Alabama, Tulane University and others; Federal (Level 3) and State Healthy Start programs; Florida Department of Health; Title V MCH and CSHCN programs (Children's Medical Services); Florida Network (Pediatric Pulmonary Center at UF and LEND at University of Miami); Regional CoIINs; and others. Evaluation:The program will be annually evaluated using a multidimensional mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach that include process and outcomes measures. | 
