2011 NYSPA Annual Conference - June 9 - 10, 2011
The initial two Regional Perinatal Centers/Programs were initiated in Central New York and York City in 1975 by a major grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. By the early 1980's it was apparent that the Regional Perinatal Center/Programs were extremely effective in improving the outcome of pregnancy including both maternal and perinatal outcomes. Based on this success it was decided to bring the concept of Perinatal Regionalization to the Department of Health for implemenatation via the development of regulations and appropriate funding. This process proceeded throughout the 80's and the 90's. Throughout the process of working with the Department of Health, the Regional Perinatal Centers were repeatedly urged to provide evidence of support and involvement from other components of the health team as well as the public itself. Based on the newly developed recommendation the NYS Association of Regional Perinatal Centers/Programs (NYSARPP) decided to create such a multi-disciplinary entity including consumers. It was decided to call it the New York State Perinatal Association (NYSPA).
In the early years of the NYSPA organization there was a need for funding and this was provided by NYSARPP as well as significant contributions from the National Foundation of The March of Dimes. These processes all led to initiation and facilitation of NYSPA. The Association has evolved and now contains a wide spectrum of the providers of perinatal care. It has been very effective in helping to mold to the structure and process of perinatal services in New York.