The "Learning Network" is an initiative that is appropriate for those communities using or planning to use the PPOR Approach. PPOR is an approach or tool that can be used by large communities to examine their fetal and infant mortality by identifying gaps in their community, targeting resources for prevention activities, and mobilizing the community to action.
The overall purpose and intent of the "Learning Network" is:
- To increase knowledge, awareness, understanding and integration of systems among urban health departments and community/state partners.
- To promote the use of PPOR as a community-based tool to improve the health of women and infants.
- To provide easy-to-use materials and support services.
- To promote a linkage integration of PPOR Approach with related efforts (e.g. Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR), Healthy Start).
- Offer training opportunities to gain thorough knowledge and understanding of all PPOR Approach components.
- Affiliated with a registered CityMatCH Member Health Department
- Attended or plan to attend one of the CityMatCH on-site training workshops.
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1. Knowledge of the PPOR Approach:
- Knowledge of what it takes to conduct the PPOR approaches (all stages)
- Access to national level data
- 2. Technical outreach and communication:
- Ask-A-Colleague peer exchange
- Technical assistance and consultation
- Access to website powerpoints and information
- Topical conference calls and web-cast seminars
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3. Learning from others:
- Access to information regarding emerging best practices used in those cities using the PPOR approach
- Communities' written reports/assessments of PPOR findings will be shared
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4. PPOR Training and Certification:
- Training and certification for participating in CityMatCH PPOR Level 2 activities
Using PPOR to Investigate High Infant Mortality Rates Among the Native American Population in Washington State
Description:
Native American infant mortality rates in 2001-2004 were quadruple the White rates. While rates for other racial/ethnic groups have decreased since the mid-1980s, the Native American rate has increased in recent years. The Urban Indian Health Institute partnered with Seattle-King County Public Health and other local partners to investigate these trends.
PPOR Phase 1 analysis revealed that AI/AN Feto-Infant Mortality rates exceeded White, Asian, Hispanic, and African American rates. The Infant Health period accounted for the majority of preventable deaths, and for observed time trends in that group. Phase 2 analysis pointed to multiple causes. Risk factors for those causes were examined using birth certificate and PRAMS data at the county level.
To help guide preventive action, the Institute and its partners have shared findings with multiple community groups such as the Native American Women's Dialogue on Infant Mortality. They will discuss the feedback received, which has helped them to understand the underlying historical, cultural, and social factors, and consider plans for next steps.
Speaker:
Shira Rutman, MPH
The Urban Indian Health Institute,
A division of the Seattle Indian Health Board
Seattle, WA


