HWPP Trainee and Research Coordinator Meeting

hwpp meeting

Twenty-four HWPP project trainees and four research coordinators met in Oakland on November 2, 2009 for a day-long meeting to share program information, updates on curriculum, and the latest evaluation data—and to celebrate their work as abortion providers. Most important, it was an opportunity to get acquainted with staff members and fellow trainees from around the State and share information on the Project’s progress.

ANSIRH Director Tracy Weitz reminded the group that there are more advanced practice nurse and physician assistant aspiration abortion providers in California than in the rest of the country combined! Everyone felt the excitement of what we are doing to change access to abortion in California.

The day was also an important time for trainees to share their experiences about becoming abortion providers. One trainee shared that, “It was great seeing everyone, putting faces to voices. It is an honor being in this first group of APC providers.” Each shared story made it clear that providing patient-centered compassionate abortion care is a goal all our trainees share.

presentation at HWPP meeting

Diana Taylor, Director of Research and Evaluation, summarized the Project's preliminary findings.

The day began with introductions and a welcome from Tracy Weitz, ANSIRH Director, followed by an overview of the HWPP Project from Molly Battistelli, HWPP Director. Kristin Nobel, HWPP Evaluator, gave an update on our research process to date, and Erin Schultz, HWPP Law and Policy Analyst, explained our far-reaching goals for policy change in California. Diana Taylor, Director of Research and Evaluation, and Amy Levi, Clinical Education Consultant, led a discussion about the Project's curriculum and evaluation protocols.

The research coordinators then went off to lunch and an afternoon session with Kristin Nobel to discuss the details and best practices of research protocols and data collection. After a lot of listening and digesting (of information and lunch), Diana and Amy facilitated an afternoon discussion between the trainees on the personal and emotional reactions experienced as participants in the HWPP Project.

The day was topped off with a wine and appetizer reception at the ANSIRH office. A few HWPP trainers were able to join us for the reception, and the larger ANSIRH staff was here to meet our new abortion providers.

presentation at HWPP meeting

If you weren't able to attend, please call and we would be happy to let you know about anything you missed. This inaugural meeting was such a success that we hope to hold these meetings annually, so please join us next year!

Other articles in the January 2010 issue:

For reproductive health news, see ANSIRH’s blog.