"I am moved by stories that I've heard from mothers, especially African American mothers, who have done everything right; have access to all of the healthcare and financial resources and have still have outcomes that are poor. It's hear wrenching and convinces me that it is not an individual problem, but a societal problem and we all should be committed to helping"- Dr. Teresa Johnson, PhD, RN, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Racine Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIHF)
The Wisconsin Partnership Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health seeks to reduce health disparities and improve the quality of life for all state residents. The Partnership Program’s Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIHF) addresses one of the most perplexing disparities in Wisconsin – infant mortality.
The Racine Lifecourse Initiatives for Healthy Families project is a community-wide effort to close the black-white gap in birth outcomes in Racine. The Lifecourse Perspective teaches that what happens during the life of a woman has an impact on her baby while she is pregnant.
The Racine Lifecourse Initiatives for Healthy Families project is a community-wide effort to close the black-white gap in birth outcomes in Racine. The Lifecourse Perspective teaches that what happens during the life of a woman has an impact on her baby while she is pregnant.
Mission & VisionOur mission is to reduce African American infant mortality and improve the health and well being of African American women, children and families in the Greater Racine community.
Our vision is to serve as a driving force for change that connects resources, organizations and individuals to those most affected. The Collaborative will impact not only the African American infant mortality rate but also the quality of life for all in Racine. |
Our Goals
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Strategies
Improve access to evidence based programming that provide support to mothers and fathers.
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Improve access to supporting elements that address social determinants of health.
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Partnering Agencies
•Acelero Learning
•Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield •Baby Express/Black Infant Health •Catholic Charities •Central Racine County Health Department •City of Racine Health Department •Health & Nutrition Service of Racine •Johnson Foundation at Wingspread •Kenosha Racine Walworth Tobacco-Free Coalition •Professional Women’s Network for Service, Inc. •Racine County Workforce Development Center •Racine County Home Visitation Network |
•Racine County Human Services Department
•Racine Family YMCA-Focus On Fathers •Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency •Racine Unified School District •Racine Vocational Ministry •Representative Cory Mason’s Office •United Healthcare •University of Wisconsin-Extension •University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee-School of Nursing •University of Wisconsin-Parkside •Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints •PLUS -Community Volunteers |
Committees of the Collabortive
Breastfeeding Committee
The breastfeeding committee with charged with developing strategies to increase awareness of breastfeeding and resources to improve African American breastfeeding rates. This committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 am.
Child Support/Family Court Committee
The Child Support/Family Court Committee is charged to develop ways to educate others about the systems and dispel myths. This committee meets quarterly.
Data Committee
The Data Committee is charged with the annual review of data (national, state, and local sources) in addition to data collected by Collaborative partners and as determined by the strategies of the Collaborative and supporting elements. This committee meets annually.
Communication Committee
The Communication committee is charged with developing and approving materials used to increase awareness about infant mortality and the work of the Collaborative. This committee meeting on the third Monday of each month at 1 pm.
Adolescent Health Committee
The Adolescent Health Committee is charged with developing strategies to improve access to adolescent friendly healthcare providers, and increase awareness of STI/STD and teen pregnancy in the community. This committee meets quarterly.
The breastfeeding committee with charged with developing strategies to increase awareness of breastfeeding and resources to improve African American breastfeeding rates. This committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 am.
Child Support/Family Court Committee
The Child Support/Family Court Committee is charged to develop ways to educate others about the systems and dispel myths. This committee meets quarterly.
Data Committee
The Data Committee is charged with the annual review of data (national, state, and local sources) in addition to data collected by Collaborative partners and as determined by the strategies of the Collaborative and supporting elements. This committee meets annually.
Communication Committee
The Communication committee is charged with developing and approving materials used to increase awareness about infant mortality and the work of the Collaborative. This committee meeting on the third Monday of each month at 1 pm.
Adolescent Health Committee
The Adolescent Health Committee is charged with developing strategies to improve access to adolescent friendly healthcare providers, and increase awareness of STI/STD and teen pregnancy in the community. This committee meets quarterly.