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  Special ProjectsEmployment OpportunitiesCircle of CareTeen Work GroupSTD ProgramTraining 3Donations     |
 Welcome to the Special Projects Section of the Family Planning Council! The project entails having both entities work together to review reporting data from family planning providers in order to identify and assess underutilization of services. Once determined, the partners will engage in strategic outreach and education efforts to inform AmeriChoice members about important health issues and motivate them to access the care. For more information click here.
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 HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Prior to its relationship with the Council, the George W. Hill Correctional Facility located in Delaware County previously provided sporadic STD/HIV education. However, after collaboration with the Council it now offers continuous HIV prevention education. Two health education programs are offered Healthy Lifestyles Program (HELP) for female inmates and Reach One Teach One for male inmates. The Council’s HIV/AIDS prevention programs are funded by the AIDS Activity Coordinating Office (AACO), a City of Philadelphia government department that administers federal, state and city funded HIV/AIDS programs through collaborative service contracts with community-based organizations. Healthy Lifestyles Program (HELP) The Council developed a behavior change educational model for incarcerated women to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. The Council is using the Health Belief Model described by Becker, Drachman and Kirschyt (1974). Using this model and conceptual framework, the Council developed the HELP Program. The goals of the program are to: increase knowledge about HIV/ AIDS prevention and transmission, help inmates identify their personal risk factors and the consequences of risky behavior, define the action steps needed for behavior change, and provide skill building techniques to affect behavior change. This behavior change approach has shown promise in many community-based settings and the Council has adapted this approach for female inmates. The HELP program is composed of four components: (1) four group education sessions, (2) individual counseling, (3) referrals for in-prison and out-of-prison medical care and HIV testing, (4) and prevention case management and other support services related to HIV prevention and care. Reach One Teach One In 2005, the Council expanded its HIV education and prevention programs in prisons to reach both women and men. The full complement of services is now offered to incarcerated men at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Delaware County, where previously it had been offered to only female inmates. Although the Reach One Teach One curriculum is implemented by a trained Health Education Coordinator, inmates can receive training to become co-facilitators. The curriculum being used was chosen because it provides comprehensive health education appropriate to the inmate population, taking into account variability in educational attainment and cultural diversity. The curriculum has been piloted in both federal and state prisons. The goals of the program curriculum are to:
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HIV/AIDS Care Management Aftercare Program Since 2003, the Council’s Aftercare Program has provided pre-release care management services to male and female inmates at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility who are living with HIV/AIDS. On a monthly basis the Care Manager is provided with a list of inmates with HIV/AIDS from the Infectious Disease Department at the prison. Upon receipt of the listing, the Care Manager contacts inmates and informs them about the Aftercare program. Those interested, voluntarily sign consent to participate. Interviews are conducted to assess need and a discharge plan is developed. In coordination with prison health, the Care Manager identifies case management, health care, and other support services in the inmate’s county of residence. Upon release, the Care Manager assists inmates with accessing these services and advocates for those who experience difficulties. The Care Manager also works with the prison’s Infectious Disease Department to assure that inmates have a two-week supply of HIV medication upon their release until they are connected with their county HIV service providers. All services are confidential. For clients who do not have an imminent discharge date, the Care Manager continues to meet with them to provide HIV/ AIDS information, support, and advocacy for obtaining in-prison services, as needed. top of page
Parenting Education Program (PEP) PEP is a parenting skills development program for women in the Chester and Delaware County prisons. Specifically, these services are offered to pregnant and parenting inmates in both individual and group counseling sessions. Topics covered include:
Parenting Education for Women The Parenting Education Program (PEP) is a child–abuse prevention program targeting pregnant and parenting women incarcerated in Chester and Delaware County prisons in Pennsylvania. The purpose of this program is to work with incarcerated mothers to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect. The program’s major goal is to prevent child abuse through education, counseling, and community assistance to this high -risk group of parents. PEP also assists incarcerated women in their desire to make contact and/or have visitation with their children and families. PEP began as a demonstration project with funding from the Office of Maternal and Child Health of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Since its inception the program has received funding from a number of sources. At present, both counties fund the program for their respective prisons. A professionally trained health educator from the Council provides pre-natal and childbirth education, child development, discipline, pre-conception health, reproductive health, and well-baby information and education at each prison. Women volunteer to participate in the program, which entails 8 group sessions that run for 1 ½ hours each. Upon completion of all sessions, participants are given certificates. Transitional planning is also offered to incarcerated women. Prior to discharge women are assisted with the development of a personal plan for self-sufficiency as they return to their communities. Follow-up services include referrals into local community agencies. Parenting Education Program for Men “inside” and prepares them for life on the “outside”, by helping them explore and heal from their past, while developing healthy emotions, reconnecting to their families, and planning for the future. The Inside Outside Dads curriculum has 8 core sessions with topic areas that examine culture, discipline, ways to improve communication, substance abuse, physical and mental health and stress. top of page
WISEWOMAN Program Well–Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation The mission of the WiseWoman Program is to provide low income, under or uninsured 40 to 64 year old women with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to improve diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle behaviors to prevent, delay and control cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. The WiseWoman program provides standard preventive screening services including Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes testing. Women are not just screened and referred for medical follow ups and case management, but they can also take advantage of risk reduction counseling, community based-resources and a lifestyle intervention program called, A New Leaf. The A New Leaf intervention is evidence based intervention that includes activities and educational materials that target poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and smoking, through healthy cooking classes, fitness competitions, and tobacco cessation classes. The individual lifestyle changes vary from client to client but overall are designed to promote lasting, healthy lifestyle changes. The program is currently being piloted at the Philadelphia Department of Health’s, Health Centers # 4 and #10. Funding for the Program is through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. top of pageYouth Development Programs Girls of Promise Every girl has within her the promise, the potential and the ability to create a peaceful, loving, positive, and productive life. With guidance and support, all girls can realize this promise. The Girls of Promise program focuses this vision and philosophy on teenage girls. The Girls of Promise program takes a holistic approach to providing teenage females with an environment and opportunity to:
Youth of Promise Coalition In May of 2007, the Family Planning Council partnered with national community initiatives consultants, Alex and Sonja Allen, to conduct a community assessment in Philadelphia zip codes 19142, 19143 & 19153. The purpose of this assessment was to uncover the causal factors for increased rates of violence, high school drop-out, unintended pregnancy, substance abuse, STD infection rates, and HIV. Upon the completion of the overall assessment it was a clear that a comprehensive program was needed in Southwest Philadelphia and the Youth of Promise Coalition was formed. The Coalition includes the Institute for the Development of African American Youth (IDAAY), Turning the TIDE (an outreach ministry program of Taylor Tabernacle Church), The Consortium and Family Planning Council. The project continues to build upon the coalition partners’ individual strengths while increasing the overall project’s capacity to respond to the unique needs of youth in Southwest Philadelphia. This project has proven highly successful in providing behavioral health services targeted to high-risk youth and outreach to their families and their extended communities. Since its inception, the project has grown to include:
To register a young person residing in Southwest Philadelphia or for more information on volunteering your time and talent to the Youth of Promise Coalition, send us an email: youthofpromise@familyplanning.org. For more information on these programs or the Special Projects Department, email us at SpecialProjects@familyplanning.org top of page |
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