NEWS-ANNOUNCEMENTS
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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.

HEALTH COUNCIL HOSTS USF INTERN– posted January 2010

The Health Council is hosting Carla Gayle, a Masters in Public Health (MPH) intern from the University of South Florida (USF).  During her four month internship Carla’s focus will be Health Care Transition, Ryan White Resource Directory and MedNet evaluation but she will be exposed to all aspects of the Council’s work.   The Council is pleased to welcome Carla as our latest graduate intern.

BREAST HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAM LAUNCHES –posted January 2010

The Health Councils announces a new educational outreach program regarding breast health funded by Komen Race for the Cure.  Empowerment through Breast Health Awareness is designed to raise awareness of screening, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare options.  It targets south Pinellas County residents as well as healthcare providers serving that population.  Special emphasis is placed on partnerships with area churches and serving minority women. For additional information please click on Current Programs- Education.

HEALTH COUNCIL PROVIDES HOLIDAY GIFTS TO COMMUNITY AGENCIES – posted December 2009

In celebration of the 2009 holiday season, the Health Council made donations to seven agencies in the communities it serves. Working in teams, Council staff members selected items to meet the needs of the agencies’ clients. Purchases included groceries, adult clothing, toiletries, children’s clothes, toys, and household items. Staff delivered the gifts to:

       Alpha House in Pinellas County

       Habitat for Humanity in Polk County

       Hardee Help Center in Hardee County

       HOPE Family Services in Manatee County

       Redlands Christian Migrants Association in Highlands County

       Salvation Army - Domestic Violence Program in Pasco County

       The Spring in Hillsborough County

Click here to view photographs

2009 REPORT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT RELEASED – posted December 2009

The Health Council released the 2009 Report of Community Benefit which identifies project activities within each of our focus areas; spotlights a project recently completed by Health Council staff; and describes a new project initiative currently underway in our community. The report also describes the agency’s financial impact in the service area by quantifying the amount of funds secured through our efforts to support and sustain health and social support services in the 7-county planning area.  As indicated, The Health Councils secured almost $39 million in health care services for local residents, returning $234 in health care benefits for every $1 provided by the State of Florida to fund the health council at the local level.

Click here for a copy of the 2009 Report of Community Benefit

RYAN WHITE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY REPORT RELEASED – posted December 2009

The Health Council released the 2009 Executive Summary of the Ryan White Needs Assessment and the Epidemiology Report which were completed on behalf of the Ryan White Council. The Executive Summary presents a brief overview of each of the Needs Assessment components (such as focus groups, an analysis of community resources, and an analysis of various funding streams). The Needs Assessment components are updated according to a locally established timetable.

Click here to view the FY 2009 Executive Summary Report

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS – posted October 2009
Melonie Hall, and Russell Patterson were recently appointed by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners to serve two year terms on the West Central Florida's Board of Directors. They join Joel Chudnow and Carole Mackey as the Hillsborough County appointees to the Board of Directors.

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR HEALTH CARE TRANSITION PROJECT – posted October 2009

The Health Council of West Central Florida was awarded funding to assist the Florida Heath Care Transition Initiative in organizing and launching 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.  During the next nine months the Council will compile statewide data; develop and administer a survey of providers; and coordinate the development of the pilot coalition in Hillsborough County. For additional information please click on Current Programs- Planning.

MEDNET NAVIGATOR SPOTLIGHTED ON RX ASSIST WEBSITE – posted August 2009

Vanessa Owens, one of our MedNet Navigators, is profiled on the Rx Assist learning center website.  Rx Assist is a pharmaceutical access information center created by Volunteers in Health Care. To read about Vanessa, who works at both Clearwater Community Health Center and St. Anthony’s Medical Arts Building, go to http://learning.rxassist.org/vanessa-owens.

SALUTE TO OUR PARTNERS LUNCHEON RECOGNIZES SIXTEEN INDIVIDUALS – posted June 2009

On June 12, 2009 the Health Councils held a luncheon to salute to our program partners.  Awards were presented to:

•         Karen deVlaming of “Beautiful Transitions”  for her support of the Breast Health Navigator Program 
•         Jerri Huntt of Watson Clinic Women’s Center for her dedication to the Breast Health Treatment Support Program
•          Michael Cook of Caring and Sharing Center for Independent Living and Carol Michel of Hillsborough County Government for their involvement in Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities
•          Priya Rajkumar of Metropolitan Charities for her commitment to the Insurance Services Program
•          Marcia Posey of Florida Southern College; Donna Stayton of Highlands County Health Department; and Carolyn Wyatt of Hardee County Extension Office for their contributions to the success of the Lead Education and Awareness Project   
•          Kelly Bell of Judeo Christian Clinic and Deborah Meegan of Brandon Outreach Center  for their role in the implementation of MedNet in Hillsborough County
•          Jackie Griffin-Doherty of Operation PAR for her contribution to the expansion of MedNet in Pinellas County
•          Linnwood Davis for his service as the Chair of the Rural Issues Committee of the Ryan White Care Council

Special recognition was given to two past Board members:  Patt Reed, former HCWCF Board Member and Tom Robbins, former SHC Board Member and Chair.  Bill Newton, Executive Director of Florida Consumer Action Network, presented an update on Federal Health Care Reform.

  
Click here to view pictures of the event

SUNCOAST HEALTH COUNCIL’S OFFICERS ELECTED – posted June 2009

The Board of Directors of the Suncoast Health Council appointed the following officers for a two year term:  Robert Marlowe, Chair; Dr. David Johnson, Vice Chair and Dr. David McKalip, Treasurer.

OFFCIERS ELECTED BY HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA  - posted June 2009

The Board of Directors for the Health Council of West Central Florida elected the following officers for a two year term:  David Libby, Chair; Ray Dielman, Vice Chair and Ted Wilson, Treasuruer.