- Worked closely with staff from First 5 San Diego, the lead contractor (the Council of Community Clinics) and over a dozen different partner agencies.
- Convened partners to collaborate in the initiative’s evaluation design.
- Developed the evaluation design, which linked OHI’s work to First 5 San Diego’s larger goals and objectives.
- Created practical, easy-to-use data collection tool in Excel. Coordinated the distribution of the data collection tool to all partner agencies, and trained partners in its use.
- Supervised a Research Assistant who oversaw partners’ monthly data submissions and provided support to the evaluation.
- Complemented partners’ data with qualitative findings from focus groups, interviews (with parents, dental professionals and policymakers), a case study and secondary data.
- Advised First 5 San Diego of emerging best practices and challenges.
- Wrote the OHI chapters for both First 5 San Diego’s FY 2005-2006 and FY 2006-2007 Annual Evaluation Reports. Chapters synthesized all of the aforementioned data and offered recommendations for the future.
- Presented each year’s findings to OHI stakeholders via a PowerPoint slideshow.
- Used each year’s findings to lead stakeholders in discussions of how to build on OHI’s successes and how to fortify areas of weakness.
Welcome. How can we work together to tackle the biggest hurdle facing your organization today? Take a look around, then email me to get started. -Michelle Plata, MPH
Multi-Million Dollar, Countywide Oral Health Initiative
The First 5 Commission of San Diego (First 5 San Diego) launched the Oral Health Initiative (OHI) in 2005 to address oral health of pregnant women and children under age six. First 5 San Diego has dedicated up to $5.1 million for OHI from its launch through FY 2009-2010. As a Research Associate with Harder+Company Community Research, I was charged with evaluating this complex initiative. Over three years, I accomplished the following: