The Magic of Collaboration: the Dental Health Initiative/Share the Care and Immunization Branch Collaborate to Help Get Children Ready for School

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to describe how two programs shared resources to create educational materials for children and their parents to promote health messages.

Background:
California recently passed a law requiring that children entering school for the first time have an oral evaluation as well as a physical exam and up to date immunizations. Therefore, there was a need to give parents a resource to assist them in getting their child prepared for school.

Objectives:
1. Educate parents on the new school entry requirements.
2. Provide parents with resources to access needed services.
3. Create an incentive item that will promote health messages to children.

Methods:
1. Evaluate and share resources available to create a final product.
2. Use a previously established character to create continuity and “branding”.
3. Create a product that would tie into previous materials with a recognizable health message.

Results:
1. Collaboration efforts strengthened working relations between Branches and served as an example for interagency collaboration.
2. A coloring book and other materials featuring a unique character named Presto, incorporate collaborative health messages for children and families to motivate them for a healthier life style and prepare them for school.
3. Materials produced have a branded look and a character which can be used for future materials to create recognition and confidence in the community.

Conclusions:
Through collaborative messaging and combining resources, programs can improve outcomes and reach a broader audience leading to improved health of children and families.