Before Training Copy
Identify Potential Prenatal Outreach Reps Who Could Do the Following
Distribute your organization materials to hospitals and assigned OB/GYN and Perinatology Groups
Check the inventory each quarter and report results to the Down Syndrome Representative Coordinator
Establish a relationship of trust with the physician groups
Exhibit professionalism and professional courtesy
Be pleasant, positive, and non-judgmental
Offer office presentations as needed
Understand available resources to share with parents
Maintain confidentiality
Identify Potential Prenatal Outreach Reps with the Following Characteristics
1. Able to talk about diagnosis without emotions being too raw (unable to control weeping)
2. Not politically motivated and meet parents where they are
3. Professional, positive, non-judgmental, and empathetic
4. Comfortable with public speaking
Interview Applicants Ahead of Time before Inviting Them to Be Medical Outreach Reps
Ask the following questions:
1. Why are you interested?
2. What is your professional background?
3. What is your comfort level with public speaking?
Establish Your Organizations Conduct Policy for Prenatal Outreach Reps
https://www.lettercase.org/education/advocacy-organizations/conduct-policy/
Additional Materials You will Need for the Program
Checklist of Resources for Training
- Conduct Policy (https://www.lettercase.org/education/advocacy-organizations/conduct-policy/)
- Business Cards for Prenatal Outreach Reps identifying the role in Medical Outreach Representative as part of the local advocacy organization. it’s best to highlight a role rather than a particular individual AND emphasize the importance or developing a professional relationship with that particular individual
- Contact Log (https://www.lettercase.org/education/advocacy-organizations/contact-log/)
- Scripts
- Introduction Letters (https://www.lettercase.org/education/advocacy-organizations/introduction-letter/)
- Fax Release Forms
- Resources
Resources for Medical Professionals: Slide 86, Flyer for Information Sessions
Make sure leave behind materials are high quality, printed on good stock paper and in color. Instructions for how to refer a family to your org should be included in the materials. Brand your materials.
Print
- National Center/Lettercase brochure
- “Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis”
- NDSAN Brochure
- Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network Brochure
- Delivering a Prenatal or Postnatal Diagnosis
- Delivering a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome (DSDN)
Online
- lettercase.org
- downsyndromepregnancy.org
- National Down Syndrome Adoption Network: ndsan.org
- NDSS, NDSC, and local organizations
- DSDN
- Benefits of Resources Reviewed and Recommended by National Medical and Advocacy Organizations
- Activity: What are the benefits of using materials that are medically reviewed, accurate, balanced, up-to-date, and featured in journals? Use recording by a medical professional (Meg or Blair)