Initiative Category: For Communities

The DEFINE program provides a targeted approach to understanding and improving policies and programs in NICUs throughout Colorado to increase parental engagement. Participating hospitals are asked to develop a multidisciplinary team, collect and submit data, review existing practices and policies related to parental NICU involvement, and use structured quality improvement methods to improve specialized care.

To further develop a community of practice, DEFINE participants are also asked to participate in an annual forum that brings together providers, parents, community-based groups, and public health agencies to share progress and ideas, continue learning, and review performance metrics.

CPCQC engages partners, policymakers, and clinical and community healthcare champions to use data, evidence-based practice, and scalable policy concepts to drive sustainable systems-wide change in perinatal and infant outcomes. This body of work includes: 

• Policy development
• Advising on regulatory action
• Policy implementation across the state
• Collective action facilitation and leadership

The organization leads or collaborates with partners on X current policy and strategy functions

• Leading CPCQC’s own policy agenda 
• Leading the Rural Perinatal Health Roundtable
• Co-chairing the Perinatal Behavioral Health Policy and Financing Coalition
• Co-Chairing the Maternal Health Taskforce
• Leading the Colorado Safe Transfers Coalition

Preparing for and welcoming a new baby can be a whirlwind. Learning how to feed the baby, changing diapers around the clock, and operating on little sleep can strain even the most confident families. For mothers who are struggling with their mental health or substance use, finding the support they need–on top of juggling the demands of caring for a new baby—can feel impossible.

Fortunately, there are steps communities can take to ensure mothers and families can access treatment or support for their behavioral health–when and where they need it. CPCQC’s IMPACT BH program strengthens connections and collaboration among organizations serving mothers, infants, and families—weaving a tight web of support to ensure that no family in need falls through the cracks

The FIRST program was developed by CPCQC in 2021 to ensure that: 

• Families are active members of care teams and collaborative partners in our work
• Solutions to address inequities in care are community-led
• Providers possess skills and experience in building relationships with families and communities and understand historical barriers to establishing trusted relationships
• Families are provided with a safe environment in which to engage productively with healthcare providers

The program has four main components and is run in annual, 12-month cohorts. 

• Recruitment & Onboarding: Identification and enrollment of individuals with lived experience.
• MoMMA’s Voices Patient Family Partner (PFP) Certification Training:
  • Self-paced online program.
  • Content focused on QI education and patient advocacy.
  • Goal: To equip participants with advocacy tools for effective partnerships.
  • Estimated Duration: 8 hours (to be verified).
  • Access: Through a sign-up link (works best on mobile).
  • Scholarship opportunities available.
• Integration into CPCQC Programs:
  • Opportunities for certified Patient-Family Partners (PFPs) include:
    • Serving on the Board of Directors.
    • Participating in committees to advise QI programs.
    • Educating healthcare facility QI teams.
    • Participate in relevant advisory groups
    • Present to national and local audiences
• Financial Stipends: Provided to support meaningful participation.