Publications by authors named "Kecia L Ellick"

Background: The HBCU-HIV Prevention Project (H2P) is a culturally-tailored, targeted intervention at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) aimed at training health care providers as key players in reducing HIV infections and improving healthcare outcomes among HBCU students.

Methods: A cross-sectional purposive sample of health care providers at health centers on HBCU campuses and invited health care professionals from partnering organizations in their surrounding communities participated in an 11-module series on the CDC's evidence-based HIV prevention strategy for high-risk individuals, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The intervention was aimed at increasing provider awareness and knowledge about PrEP and the importance of HIV testing and counseling as well as promoting provider intentions to use PrEP (initiating discussions with students and prescribing).

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Introduction: Fifteen states participating in the Opioid Use Disorder, Maternal Outcomes, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Initiative Learning Community (OMNI LC) developed action plan goals and activities to address the rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) among birthing persons. In a separate initiative, Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs) from 12 states participating in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-supported activities hosted trainings to improve the provision of OUD services and implement protocols for screening and treatment in delivery facilities.

Methods: This descriptive study synthesizes qualitative data extracted from 15 OMNI LC state action plans, excerpts from qualitative interviews conducted with OMNI LC state teams, and quantitative data from quarterly project performance monitoring reports from 12 CDC-funded PQCs implementing quality improvement activities to address clinical service gaps for pregnant and postpartum people with OUD.

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The opioid crisis affects the health and health care of pregnant and postpartum people and infants prenatally exposed to substances. A Learning Community (LC) among 15 states was implemented to improve services for these populations. States drafted action plans with goals, strategies, and activities.

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Opioid use disorder (OUD) poses a significant public health concern impacting maternal and infant outcomes. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) to develop the Opioid use disorder, Maternal outcomes, and Neonatal abstinence syndrome Initiative Learning Community (OMNI LC) to identify and disseminate best practices and strategies for implementing systems-level changes in state health departments to address OUD affecting pregnant and postpartum persons and infants prenatally exposed to opioids. In 2019, the OMNI LC incorporated a field placement approach that assigned temporary field placement staff in five select OMNI LC states to provide important linkages, facilitate information sharing, and strengthen capacity among state and local health departments and other partners supporting maternal and child health communities affected by the opioid crisis.

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