Background:
The Magnolia Project was developed to address Jacksonville's high rates of black infant mortality. The preconception intervention was the result of a community-wide analysis that included the Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) as well as the area's Fetal & Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Project. The Project, funded by the federal Healthy Start program, has adapted prenatal care models (outreach, education, case management, enhanced clinical care, community development) for use with a non-pregnant, at-risk group of women who is likely to have a future pregnancy. A longitudinal pilot evaluation of the Magnolia Project, which was established in 1999, revealed a positive impact on low birthweight and subsequent STDs among participants following program intervention. The project was also successful in recruiting and retaining very high risk women; and in providing culturally competent, wholistic services.

Objectives:
Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
1.Describe the risk factors targeted by the Magnolia Project.
2.Understand the case management model used by the project.
3.Be aware of the results and limitations of the preliminary pilot evaluation.

Methods:
Lecture, powerpoint, interactive discussion

Results:
The Magnolia Project serves more than 700 women a year, including intensive case management services to at least 80 women annually. A preliminary evaluation of the project indicates a positive impact on future birth outcomes and key risk factors impacting women's health.

Conclusion and implications for practice:
The Magnolia Project offers an example of how to deliver preconception care to a high-risk African American population. There are opportunities for replicating the Magnolia Project by re-configuring existing, categorical services.