NEWS-ANNOUNCEMENTS
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HEALTH COUNCIL AND PINELLAS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PARTNER TO MEET NEED – posted July 2010

In response to the State of Florida closing enrollment to new applications for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), the Health Council has entered into a partnership with the Pinellas County Health Department.  A MedNet Navigator will be located at the local ADAP office to assist HIV/AIDS clients secure free prescription medications from pharmaceutical manufacturers.  For additional information about MedNet click on Current Programs- Community Services.

HEALTH COUNCIL TO CONDUCT MANATEE FOCUS GROUPS – posted July 2010

During July the Health Council of West Central Florida will conduct eight focus groups on behalf of Manatee County Rural Health Services (MCRHS).  MCRHS patients will have an opportunity to participate and representatives from local health and social service agencies will be invited to a separate focus group. The focus groups will gather information on health care needs, barriers to care, and opportunities to improve health services in Manatee, Sarasota and Desoto counties.

CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR HIT ENVRIONMENTAL SCAN – posted June 2010

The Suncoast Health Council and Health Council of West Central Florida were awarded funding by WellFlorida Council to carry out a Health Information Technology Environmental Scan.  For additional information please click on Current Programs- Planning.

SALUTE TO OUR PARTNERS LUNCHEON RECOGNIZES NINE INDIVIDUALS – posted June 2010

Click here to view pictures of the event

On June 11, 2010 the Health Councils held a luncheon to salute our program partners. Awards were presented according to the Council’s three goals - Planning, Education and Service Delivery to:

Planning

•      Martha Kronk of Shriners Hospitals for Children – Tampa for her support of the HillsboroughHATS Coalition Project
•      Martin Clemmons of the Ryan White Care Council for his service as Chair of the Planning & Evaluation and RPRAC Committees

Education

•     Dena Leavengood of Health Care Collaborative for her involvement in the Community Conversation on Health Care
•     Sara Mann of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church for her contribution to the success of the Empowerment though Breast Health Awareness Project
•     Catherine Jackson of Cullari Communications Group for her role in the funding of the Flu Prevention Campaign

Service Delivery

•    Bo Dudley of ASAP for his commitment to the Insurance Services Program
•    Gaston Bedard of Neighborly Pharmacy for his role in the enhancement of MedNet 
•    Sandy Swanson of We Care Polk for her contribution to the expansion of MedNet in Polk County

Special recognition was given to David Libby, HCWCF Board Member and Chair, who will be leaving the Board after 17 years of service. Bob Arnold, Ed.D. of Suncoast Hospice spoke on “Honoring the Power of Partnerships: We All Do Better When We Work Together”.

HEALTH CARE TRANSITION PROJECT COMPLETED – posted June 2010

The Health Council of West Central Florida provided technical assistance to the Florida Health Care Transition Initiative to organize and launch local/regional health care transition coalitions.  The FHCTI is charged with improving the transition of young adults with special health care needs to the adult health care system. Specifically, the contract had three components: data collection; strategic planning; and mentoring/technical assistance to PanhandleHATS staff.  For more information, including copies of reports, please visit the Accomplishments page under Services Offered.

MEDNET EXPANDS IN PASCO AND HERNANDO COUNTIES - posted June 2010

BayCare Behavioral Health staff will be trained by Health Council to provide MedNet services to outpatients at three BayCare sites in Pasco and Hernando counties. This new collaboration will expand access to free prescription drugs for uninsured and underinsured BayCare Behavioral Health outpatients.  MedNet currently is available in Pasco County to Premier Community Health Care patients.

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR QUALITY MANAGEMENT – posted March 2010

The Suncoast Health Council was awarded funding by Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to provide Quality Management services for the West Central Florida Ryan White Program.   For additional information please click on Current Programs- Planning.

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR ASSESSMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE MECHANISM – posted March 2010

The Suncoast Health Council was awarded funding by Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to provide an Assessment of the Administrative Mechanism of the West Central Florida Ryan White Program. For additional information please click on Current Programs- Planning.

CARE COUNCIL SUPPORT CONTRACT RENEWED – posted March 2010

The Health Council’s contract to provide support services to the eight county West Central Florida Ryan White Care Council was renewed for the 2010-11 contract year.  Services include meeting facilitation, comprehensive planning and needs assessment studies.  For additional information please click on Current Programs- Planning.

INSURANCE SERVICES CONTRACT RENEWED – posted March 2010

The Health Council’s contract for the Insurance Services Program (ISP) was renewed for the 2010-11 contract year.  ISP pays the health insurance premiums and prescription drug co-pays for People Living with HIV/AIDS in an eight county area.  For additional information please click on Current Programs- Community Projects.

2009 HEALTH PROFILES AVAILABLE – posted February 2010
The Health Councils, Inc. has posted county profiles for the seven counties in our service area. The profiles contain a plethora of updated data on demographic and socioeconomic indicators, maternal and child health information, healthcare access, and more!
Click on the Explore Your County Health Profile button on the Home page.