Background:
In the fall of 2004, Florida was one of three states to receive Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding to integrate women's health services. Like in many states, programmatic responsibility for women's health services is fragmented within the Florida Department of Health (department) and across other agencies in the state. Funding mechanisms for programs typically require a disease-specific focus and proscribed activities that are not conducive to an integrated approach to health care. This promising practice developed and institutionalized a framework for increased collaboration in order to provide a more comprehensive, well-coordinated, system of health care for all women of Florida.

Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify and avoid potential pitfalls in the process of integrating women's health care.

Methods:
Through regular meetings of internal and external women's health committees, the department established a women's health infrastructure, increased communication and collaboration across programs, and mobilized intra- and inter-agency partners for improving women's health.

Results:
Through regular meetings of the Intra- and Inter-Agency Committees, the department made several landmark accomplishments, including development of an inventory of women's health services, a gap analysis of women's health services, and the first comprehensive assessment of the health status of women in Florida. In addition, a plan to integrate women's health within the department has been developed and the groundwork laid for the first Florida Women's Health Plan.

Conclusion and implications for practice:
When working with a committee of volunteers to develop a product, the following tips will streamline the process and avert some pitfalls:
• Be inclusive.
• Set the Stage.
• Prepare the Facilitator.
• Communication Skills are Premium.
• Be Specific.
• Hold fewer, but longer meetings.
• Honor Volunteerism and Celebrate Accomplishments.
Women's health crosses many programs' borders – success requires engagement by all partners.