Hartford Health & Human Services chosen for new CDC funded National Women’s Health Initiative

---NEWS ADVISORY---

(December 18, 2006)--- The City of Hartford, through its Health and Human Services Department, has been selected to be one of three sites for a national initiative that pays for the development of a master plan for women’s health services before, during, and beyond pregnancy.  The “Pilot Urban Practice Collaborative on Preconception Health” was also presented to Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California.

Two representatives from CityMatCH and the CDC National Coordinator for the initiative arrived today for a two-day working session with the Hartford team.  CityMatCH is the National Association for Maternal & Child Health programs and is based at the Nebraska School of Medicine, in Omaha, Nebraska.

On December 19, 2006, the Health and Human Services Department, local hospitals, community organizations, state and local officials and other stakeholders will come together for an informational meeting to describe the project and raise awareness about the importance of preconception health in our community.  Representatives from CityMatCH and CDC will be discussing the national scope of the project. The meeting will take place the Hilton Hartford Hotel in Downtown Hartford, starting at Noon.

According to CityMatCH, Hartford was selected based on a series of criteria, including the willingness and ability to take on the issues of preconception health and community health care.

“We are honored to be part of this national project that will bring more research and results to improve the quality of life for Hartford families,” says Ramon Rojano, Director of Health and Human Services. 

For more information, please contact Leticia Marulanda at (860) 547-1426 x7033 or at lmarulan@hartford.gov