Oklahoma Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2F HIC)
WHAT ARE F2F HICs?
Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs) are family-led centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). There is one F2F in each state, in the District of Columbia, in five U.S. territories, and there are three F2Fs serving tribal communities. The Oklahoma Family Network holds this role in our state. Each F2F is staffed by highly-skilled, knowledgeable family members who have first-hand experience and understanding of the challenges faced by families of CYSHCN. These uniquely qualified staff provide critical support to families caring for children and youth with special health care needs, particularly families of children with complex needs and those from diverse communities.
F2Fs also assist providers, state and federal agencies, legislators, and other stakeholders to better understand and serve children with special health care needs and their families. https://familyvoices.org/lfpp/f2fs/
HOW IS THE OK F2F FUNDED AND WHAT TYPE OF HELP IS PROVIDED?
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB) began funding the Oklahoma Family Network in 2008.
The Oklahoma Human Services Developmental Disabilities and Children with Special Health Care Needs Divisions, the Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma State Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Program, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the OU Center for Learning and Leadership have been long standing funding sources through competitive grants and contracts as early as 2004. Conference funding has been provided by many of Oklahoma’s state agencies, health care organizations, Heartland Regional Genetics Network, the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma. Additional funding for the OK F2F is raised through special events, community grants and revolving donations. In 2022, Oklahoma Family Network set up an endowment with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation with fundraising dollars and a match from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. If you would like to support the OK Family Network, you may make a donation by clicking here.
The OK F2F provides assistance in a variety of ways, including support and referral through in person, telephone, e-mail, text, social media or in-person contact; training through workshops and conference; advocating for and connecting families with resources; running social media including websites; and developing newsletters and family-friendly publications.
HOW CAN THE OK F2F SUPPORT YOU?
- Find appropriate care and services
- Apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or private insurance
- Get referrals to providers
- Address insurance denials
- Identify and access community support programs
- Advocate to ensure effective and cost-efficient care
- Connect with parent mentors
TYPICAL QUESTIONS ASKED OF THE OKLAHOMA FAMILY NETWORK F2F STAFF:
- Can you help me find another family to talk to who has a child with similar issues to mine?
- Who can help me understand my child's disability?
- How can I keep up with all this paperwork?
- Do you know where I can get training to help me to be a better advocate for my child?
- What are the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, other programs? How do I apply?
- What is Title V and what programs do they have for children?
- How do we prepare to move our child’s care from our longtime pediatrician to adult care when our young adult has complex medical needs?
- Who can help me find a way to pay for my child’s expensive medications?
- Where can I find safe, affordable child care for my child, whose medical condition requires trained caretakers?
- Is there a place in town that repairs wheelchairs? Loans equipment? Makes ramps for homes?
Being a part of the national program for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers provides valuable technical assistance for OFN and provides a way for OFN staff to share valuable lessons and information to the other F2Fs across the country. For more information about this national support:
