A RURAL COMMUNITY’S IMMUNIZATION NETWORK JOURNEY Presented by Jane Colvig, RN and Leslie Davis, RN

The Creation of Pagosa Springs’ Immunization Network: “PSIN” The Colorado Trust and the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition Five sites throughout the state LaPlata/Montezuma site (including Archuleta county) Provider support and Community effort

Pagosa Springs, Colorado Located western base of Wolf Creek Pass Pagosa Springs, Population 2000: 1,900 Archuleta County, Population 2000: 10,107 2000 est. avg. per capita income: $19,000 Ethnicity - Hispanic and Anglo Two MD clinics - one provides vaccinations Primary Immunization Provider for county: San Juan Basin Health Dept., P.S.

Formation of PSIN Identifying “key” community individuals and interest groups Initial invitations: Health Department, School District, Early Childhood Educator, Childcare Providers, Healthy Kids, Social Services, Family Advocate, Bright Beginnings, Headstart, Parents

First Meeting: January 2001 BRAINSTORMING! Identifying strengths: Individuals who know the community Commitment to child health issues Strong public health staff that works as a team Willingness to try new approaches Health Dept. primary immunization provider in county (identified later)

First Meeting: January 2001 Barriers or challenges: Transient community Parental Attitudes Large Home School Population Lack of Knowledge High Risk Families (Poverty vs Lifestyle)

If you had unlimited resources: “Pie in the Sky” If you had unlimited resources: MONEY MANPOWER TIME and ENERGY How would you build upon your strengths, and minimize your weaknesses?

To IMPROVE COVERAGE of IMMUNIZATIONS thereby IMPROVING the HEALTH of the ENTIRE COMMUNITY

Maintaining Focus, Commitment and Motivation Notebooks: “Highlights” Education: Articles and Hot Issues Flexibility - Meet needs of participants CELEBRATE SUCCESSES! Calendar events to help build ideas One year evaluation, and Parent Survey

PSIN’s Community Impact Improved co-ordination Special and Free clinics NIIW - 2001 - Prize drawing - 60 children 2002 - Prize drawing - 111 children Library -immunization books, posters Local Media coverage - weekly newspaper, radio station Outreach to Home School Association Education, Education, Education!

Kindergarten Entry Class size 103

Our Parting Encouragement! Be CREATIVE Be FLEXIBLE Be POSITIVE Be SUPPORTIVE Be INCLUSIVE Be PREPARED TO WORK HARD!