Facilitating the Public Health Nursing Collaborative (PHNC) has been a fun and unique experience for the Institute’s Taylor Anderson to navigate. As other collaboratives are more black and white, the nursing scope allows for a gray area that I was able to choose topics that tailored to the needs and asks of LPHA nurses. Throughout 2024, the group presented on Naloxone, Show Me Healthy Women, Community Based Programs and Implementation, Data and Information Retrieval Strategies, and there were a few informal meetings that allowed for collaboration.
In addition to the topics, we hosted a few public speakers including DHSS, MOCPHE staff, and LPHA nurses who were drawn to a topic that they are a subject matter expert in. In 2025, we are starting off strong and had the Lead Program Manager with DHSS present over all things pertaining to lead (case management, levels, upcoming updates, resources, materials, etc.). In February, we will have another LPHA speaker who will be discussing Mobile Health Units.
When I began facilitating this collaborative, it was very important to me that I was just that- the facilitator. I aim to ask participants what they need from the group and if they have recommendations for speakers. I want it to be participant driven so that those doing the daily work are the ones who reap the benefits.
I look forward to what the new year will bring and I am honored I get to collaborate with the amazing nurses across our state who serve our communities.