One of the biggest barriers that keeps low-income families from getting the health services they need for their children is the sheer number of agencies they have to visit. Each agency is in a different location and has its own requirements and staff. In Texarkana, however, underserved residents are now able to receive comprehensive care by working with one care coordinator.

Each of 36 local agencies and groups in the Texarkana's Our Children First Coalition has sent staff members to a special training program to learn how to provide comprehensive services drawing on resources from all the agencies. Each of these "super" case managers is now cross-training other staff members in the participating agencies.

Who is served?
The project serves all children requiring assistance from multiple agencies. Of particular concern are teens who are pregnant or who have young children, children diagnosed with serious emotional disturbance, and children who are at-risk or are in out-of-home placement.

How does the project work?
This is a community-based coalition involving 36 local agencies and organizations—virtually every organization in the county that serves children in some capacity. The coalition has organized an extensive partnership and has planned its care coordination model. Care coordinators from participating agencies are now being trained. Agency care coordinators will cross-train and oversee the case managers who work at local participating agencies. The care coordinators also will assure that the participating agencies work together effectively to provide services, referrals, and follow-up for child health care.

How is the project financed?
The coalition has been recommended to receive flexible funding from the Governor's Partnership Council for Children and Families, and has been pursuing enhanced Medicaid funding.

Quotes About the Project

The Miller County Child Health Initiative has had a dramatic impact on this community. For the first time in decades, we have almost a hundred agencies and service providers working together to achieve a common goal: the improvement of service delivery to children and families in our community."
Gerald A. Bedwell, President, Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center

Our Children First Coalition is ahead of its time in planning to provide services for Miller County children in need. It is a cooperative effort involving all agencies providing services in Miller County. I have never before seen such enthusiasm or such a willingness to work together."
Frances Holcombe, Director of Programs, Opportunities, Inc.