In addition to direct services for families, Healthy Start of Southern Oregon convenes the Perinatal Task Force, which is a collective impact group focused on improving health outcomes for our communities by centering on the perinatal period — before, during, and after pregnancy.

What is Perinatal?

The Perinatal Period is the timeframe before, during, and after pregnancy.
Preconception

Preconception
Any time before a pregnacy occurs

Prenatal

Prenatal
Women who are currently pregnant

Postpartum

Postpartum
Women who are 0-6 months post pregnancy

Parenting

Parenting
Families who have children 0-24 months of age

Our Mission

To improve knowledge, behaviors, and systems of care for women, teens, children, and families in Douglas and Josephine Counties through cross-sector Perinatal Task Forces.

Our Vision

Enhanced overall well-being and improved health outcomes of women, teens, children, and families – before, during, and after pregnancy.

Networking Options

The Task Force brings people together in Josephine and Douglas Counties, and provides networking opportunities for those involved in perinatal health to learn about new projects benefiting their communities. Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming events.
Perinatal Task Force Networking Options

“The meetings (are) a well rounded time together for the common good of our community. Parents are encouraged to join which makes this time even more valuable. This allows us to learn, grow, educate and support one another in the community we share.”

 

– Cynthia Nehf, Women’s Crisis Support Team

Community Task Force Goals

Perinatal Task Force Training

Our goals are set collaboratively, and are guided by Perinatal Task Force members, community partners, and Healthy Start staff. They include:

  • Develop & use a collective impact network
  • Increase service coordination and systems integration
  • Promote community engagement and cross-sector collaboration
  • Offer trainings and community events related to infant and maternal health
  • Improve awareness of health equity and the social determinants of health

How We Accomplish our Goals

The Perinatal Task Force is a collective impact group. Collective impact is a movement that relies on local partnerships to solve complex problems that communities face. The health of families is a complex problem, as it relies on many different types of organizations from many sectors to ensure that all families’ needs in our communities are being met.

Our work is informed by and guided by local data collected by the Healthy Start program and partnering agencies. HCCSO staff support the administrative needs of the group, including:

  • Community engagement through events and listening sessions
  • Networking and information sharing meetings
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Work groups that enact projects proposed by the Task Force
  • Alignment with community, state, and national efforts in maternal and child health
Perinatal Task Force Goals

How to Join Us

If you would like to join the Perinatal Task Force and lend your input, please contact:

JULIET RUTTER (They/She)
Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
(541) 863-9064

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