In the Queens neighborhoods targeted for the Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative, there are high rates of teen pregnancy; low birthweight and prematurity; high percentages of women who receive late or no prenatal health care; risky maternal behaviors during pregnancy (i.e. domestic violence, smoking); undocumented immigrant population groups (i.e. Haitian Americans and Hispanics from Central and South America); negative reinforcing psycho-social factors; and poor physical environments resulting in poor birth outcomes.
The specific neighborhoods targeted for IMR perinatal services intervention are:
South Jamaica (11433) – Jamaica (11434)
South Ozone Park (11436)
St. Albans (11412) – Cambria Heights (11411)
Hollis (11423) – Queens Village (11429)
and on the Rockaway peninsula: Arverne (11692) & Rockaway Beach (11693)
Perinatal services intervention strategies focus on community outreach; community education; referrals & linkages; case management; and male involvement services.
The Queens community-based organizations that are regional partners with QCPC to provide these grassroot services include a faith-based coalition; two fathers project initiatives; and a case management program focusing on immigrant perinatal health care.
The Queens Regional Provider Partners are:
Southeast Queens Clergy for Community Empowerment, Inc. (SQCCE)
Forestdale, Inc. – Fatherhood Initiative
Visiting Nurse Service – Early Steps Family Center
As the Queens Regional Perinatal Coordinating Body, QCPC facilitates the coordination of the community’s grassroot efforts to ensure that the regional services intervention goals are achieved resulting in improved regional birth outcomes.