Resiliency in Action Learning Session 1

October 3, 2014

Policy Level Workgroup

Springfield Early Childhood Resiliency Messaging Project

Project Proposal

  • Fund a dedicated early childhood staff person (could be part or full-time) to direct the MCH Commission and coordinate/drive early childhood programming in the city. This staff would promote a resiliency frame across systems in Springfield and serve as the convener for early childhood initiatives.
  • Housed at Springfield HHS or a private agency. Consider the political and fiscal challenges of each.
  • Revive/update Springfield MCH Strategic Plan; develop Early Childhood Resiliency Strategic Plan to support position?
  • Use of graduate level interns to support MCH Commission projects.
  • Develop plan for creating early childhood position
  • Where would the position sit? Who would fund the position?
  • Define scope of position. Job description & qualifications (review Boston ECMH Manager job description as template – Debby Allen)
  • Who would be the target of this advocacy?
  • Build evidence of need for this position and craft a persuasive case. Use Raising of America film?
  • Define budget parameters
  • If the position is housed outside of city government, determine how to create a system for sustaining the position through blended funds. Talk to Charles Deutsch at Harvard Catalyst.
  • As the early childhood convener, this staff could engage key agencies/players about how to maximize current funding streams/resources supporting early childhood programs/initiatives in Springfield.
  • How can the community: 1) pool, blend or braid these resources; 2) coordinate efforts in order to advocate for more funding
  • This about how to align with new SAMHSA System of Care Planning Grant – partnership between Health Commissions of Boston, Worcester and Springfield to enhance early childhood mental health services and integrate behavioral health into pediatric primary care.

Raising of America- Documentary Screenings:

  • Bring idea to MCH Commission to develop screening ideas and plans
  • Possible audiences: faith community/council of churches; Springfield College School of Social Work; elected officials
  • Potential use as advocacy tool for early childhood staff position. Idea was raised to screen the film for city councilors and/or other potential funders.

Others to Engage in Workgroup Activities

  • Barry Sarvet, Bay State Department of Psychiatry
  • Luz Lopez, Stand for Children
  • Partners for a Healthier Community
  • Steve Bradley, BayState Franklin Medical Center
  • Higher Ed
  • MCH Commission members
  • New North Citizens Council
  • Funders network & business community
  • Baystate community benefits program
  • MGM? Committed to funding early childhood projects.

Action items/Follow-Up

  • Review draft proposal and confirm project focus.
  • Review list of otherstakeholders to potentially engage in workgroup project (see list in notes). Consider how broadly we want to outreach at this point in the project.
  • View available Raising of America episodes prior to next workgroup meeting (Eve will send links and information).
  • Kate will connect with Debby Allen at Boston Public Health Commission to learn about their process for sustaining an early childhood mental health staff person at the Commission and report back to group.
  • Kate and Eve will learn more about SAMHSA early childhood mental health System of Care planning grant and share with group (tri-city partnership between health departments of Boston, Springfield and Worcester)