LLUAHSC SCOPE Summer 2001

Proposition 10 funds benefit several programs at Loma Linda University and Medical Center

[SCOPE, Summer 2001]

During the November, 1998, national and local elections, Californians voted in favor of Proposition 10, which led to the creation of the California Children and Families First Act.

Proposition 10 became law on January 1, 1999. As a result, a 50¢ per pack increase in state tax of tobacco products generates more than $500 million each year, 80 percent of which is allocated to counties to fund local programs they deem meet the criteria.

Three programs involving individuals at Loma Linda have received Proposition 10 funding through San Bernardino County. Two will be directly administered by Loma Linda. Initial funding for these programs is for six months.

The Inland Counties Regional Perinatal Program (ICRPP), administered by LLUMC, has worked with hospital systems for more than 18 years in an effort to improve outcomes for babies.

A grant of $465,000 will fund the efforts of the organization through the end of June.

The partnerships will include distribution of funds, training and consulting, and support of the improvement and expansion of education and services surrounding birth--specifically relating to breastfeeding and early attachment issues. The SAC Health System will receive a grant of $175,000 from the Proposition 10 funds. The funds will subsidize 5,000 visits by young children to one of the SAC clinics at $35 per visit.

A third program, The Learning Spot, will employ a multidisciplinary team approach in integrating medical, psychosocial, and cognitive evaluation in developing individualized treatment plans, ensuring continuity of follow-up, and providing appropriate medication management.

Housed in LLU Children's Hospital, this program is designed to help children who have difficulty in school because of learning, attention, behavior, communication, memory, or neurological problems.

[SCOPE, Summer 2001]