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BACKGROUND: The implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Iowa has facilitated a need to recalibrate the outreach efforts of many health programs, specifically those that have eligibility requirements meant to screen out individuals who do not present the highest level of need. Many programs that previously relied on long-term relationships with clients as a means of achieving yearly service provision goals have been forced to rethink how they do business as the majority of their former clients have become insured and are thus no longer eligible for programs of last resort. To help identify individuals who are still eligible for no/low-cost medical services and better position outreach strategies to reach these individuals, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and the University of Iowa’s Center for Evaluation Research have partnered to provide an evaluation of IDPH’s Cervical Cancer Outreach for the Hispanic/Latino Population program.
METHODS: Using census data, fifteen counties (local public health departments) with high concentrations of Hispanic/Latino individuals were invited to propose outreach projects to increase the percentage of cervical cancer screenings given to individuals of Hispanic/Latino descent. Eleven counties submitted proposals to IDPH and received funding for outreach activities. Each county will submit a year-end report to the IDPH with barriers and facilitators to success. This data will be compared across programs based on outreach strategies utilized and compared to counties that did not apply for innovation funds.
RESULTS: Data showcasing each programs change in the percentage Hispanic/Latino women screened for Cervical Cancer as well as aggregate data will be presented in combination with aggregate reports of the reported barriers and facilitators to program success. Preliminary results from this study indicate programs that utilized innovation funding to support staff time for a Spanish speaking outreach worker are experiencing the most success. Finalized results will be presented during the presentation.
CONCLUSIONS: The Hispanic/Latino population is projected to increase both in Iowa and across the nation and with many individuals in this population lacking insurance, targeting outreach services to this population will continue to be a worthy endeavor. Knowing which strategies show promise in increasing screening rates will enable programs to effectively use their screening dollars.