A Case Study on A University-Community Partnership to Eliminate Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality: Effective Strategies and Lessons Learned

ABSTRACT

This case study discusses the implementation framework, effective strategies, and lessons learned of a university-community partnership addressing racial disparities in infant mortality. The partnership was successful at enhancing coordination within service delivery systems for maternal and child health programs. Results: the elimination of waiting list for services, maximizing federal and state reimbursement, the adoption of culturally-appropriate intervention practices, increasing racial diversity in the workforce, diffusing silos, and facilitating healthier relationships among service providers. Key lessons: activating the collective strengths among a network of diverse community stakeholders with shared interests, prioritizing black voices in the change process, and capacity building opportunities.

KEYWORDS:

• University-community partnership
• health disparities
• infant mortality
• lifecourse
• black leadership

Acknowledgments

The University of Wisconsin Institute for Clinical and Translational Research sciences award number 1UL1TR002373 provided support for a TL1 trainee (Quinton Cotton). Samantha Perry of the Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency in Racine, Wisconsin provided valuable insights that informed this paper. Zoe Waizenegger assisted with developing graphics. We also acknowledge the contributions and time of the Oversight and Advisory Committee that governs the Wisconsin Partnership Program and its staff, Lifecourse Initiative Steering Committee members, university partners, and community partners working to improve community conditions for black families in southeastern Wisconsin.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences [1UL1TR002373-01];