Partnership For A Healthy Community

“ A NEW FOCUS, A NEW DIRECTION”ERIE COUNTY HEALTH DISPARITIES SUMMIT MAY 10, 2008

The PartnerSHIP for a Healthy Community is the local affiliate “State Health Improvement Plan” partner for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.The mission of the “SHIP “is to develop a cooperative community‐based planning system to improve the health of the local community. We engage key “decision makers” from health care, government, business, as well as civic leaders, clergy and those from the grass roots level, for purposes of planning community initiatives.

To reduce and eliminate health care disparities. To increase access to care.To improve the health status for everyone.

All minority and underserved diverse populations in Erie County including those differentiated by race, ethnicity, education, income, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, and geographic location.We will focus on the most medically problematic disease areas as defined by Healthy People 2010, the National Health Care Disparities Report 2007, the Racial and Ethnic Disparities in U.S. Health Care Report 2008, and the Health Status Report, Erie County Department of Health.

Geographic areas of highest poverty (20% or greater) in Erie County.Federally designated Health Professional and Dental Shortage Areas – Medically Underserved Areas, which includes inner city and rural areas.

In neighborhoods where the highest concentration of minorities are located, highest underserved populations, as well as the populations who are most medically in need of these services.

Our MethodologyRecently the board of directors for the “SHIP”adopted twenty‐six key projects to complete over the next five years, as part of our strategic planning process. Selected key projects will be implemented at our June 19, 2008 Annual Erie “Stakeholder’s Meeting”for key decision makers.

Methodology Two task force groups were developed to execute these projects for the “SHIP”. Access to Care Task Force and, Disparity ‐Health Education and Health Literacy Task Force

MEDICAL HOME ‐ GENERAL “ A second important barrier (after insurance) to access medical care is the lack of a usual source of care. Without access to a regular source of care, patients have more difficulties obtaining care, make fewer doctor visits, and have more difficulty accessing prescription drugs”…Health Policy Institute of Ohio, November 2004.

MEDICAL HOME : SPECIALIZED “TransforMED”A specialized demonstration program currentlyin Pennsylvania and New Jersey provides forpatient centered services – coordinated and/or integrated across all domains of the health care system, with open scheduling and expanded hours.

DOCTOR SHORTAGES:“Needed visits for specialist like dermatologists, urologists, medical oncologists and endocrinologists for non‐emergencies, can have wait times of months”… A Publication of the Times News Publishing Company – March 16, 2008 Page 8S.

CLINICIAL STANDARD ‐ EVIDENCED BASED BEST PRACTICE:Hospital and Faith Based Partnerships are a “win‐win” situation. Brightside Baptist Church in Lancaster Pennsylvania has partnered with Southeast Lancaster Health Services, to provide on‐site medical services. Programming extends to physicals for refugees from fifty countries.

Health Education : We need “state of the art”, culturally sensitive health education and health literacy materials packaged and delivered with a “strategic dissemination plan”. We need to create: Health Education Centers Healthy Family Centers Healthy Community Outreach Centers

Access Point Case Management System ‐ One entrance point for information for all social service programs in Erie County . ‐ Case Managers will be a team of specialists who will culturally and linguistically reflect their consumer base. ‐ Service available 24/7 and be “up to date” with service information. ‐ Caseworkers to remain involved until family is connected to needed services.

Chronic Disease Management GroupsWould offer health screenings, health education, as well as concentrated information to teens regarding pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and tobacco use. “Black men and women are most likely to have heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke; black women are also more likely than other women to have coronary heart disease”….Racial and Ethnic Disparities in U.S. Health Care – A Chartbook ‐ March 2008

The “SHIP” is going on a difficult voyage over uncharted waters. We are ready to steer the “SHIP” in the right direction – but it will take many, many, people to work together to ensure we arrive at our destination – which is competent, affordable health care for everyone, which promotes ‐ equality. Partnership@nwpaahec.org or 814‐453‐6551 Thanks and God Bless!

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Partnership For A Healthy Community

by David VanAmburg

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