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

2. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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)

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

8. 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?

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

10. 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

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

13. Kindergarten Entry Class size 103

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