The Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program (HTPCP) is a cooperative agreement between the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It was created in 1989 to promote access to health care for under-resourced and underserved children, youth, and families. The program provides funding to develop and implement community-based health projects and services that improve the health of mothers, infants, children, adolescents, and families in rural and other underserved areas.
The purpose of this program is to support innovative, community-based initiatives that address current challenges in accessing healthcare. This includes providing resources such as mobile clinics, expanding access to mental health services, increasing awareness about preventative care measures such as vaccinations, and developing partnerships with local organizations to provide better healthcare options. By doing so, the program helps ensure that all children have access to quality healthcare regardless of their economic or social status.
One example of a successful partnership supported by the HTPCP is the Mobile Hope Clinic in Greenacres, FL! Through the use of their funded mobile clinic, the Center for Trauma Counseling bring access to much needed quality and affordable mental healthcare amongst marginalized youth in the Greenacres area. According to the Center's founder and CEO Helya Ortiz in an interview to the Palm Beach Post, "Unfortunately, lack of access for the impoverished, has always been an enormous barrier for a large percentage of our community’s residents. Our Mobile Health Clinic will break these barriers, allowing for hundreds and perhaps thousands more to access these vital services.”
Another example is the AltaMed Health Services Corporation's mobile clinics! They provide essential services, vaccinations, and screenings in the heart of East Los Angeles, right where their patients need them. While their specialty units include women’s health, dental, and HIV/AIDS screenings, they also offer scheduled general screenings as well!
These are just two examples of how the HTPCP is making a positive impact on improving access to healthcare for under-resourced and underserved children, youth, and families. With its support of innovative community-based initiatives like these two examples above, it’s clear that this program is making a difference in improving overall health outcomes for those who need it most.
If you’re interested in getting involved with this program or applying for funding for your own mobile clinic project then you can find more information on how to do so at Healthy Tomorrows Partnership For Children Program.