NEWS-ARCHIVE
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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

Click here to view the FY 2009 Epidemiology Report

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.

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.

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.

MEDNET FINALIST FOR SAPPHIRE AWARD – posted August 2009

The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida has selected MedNet as one of eight finalists for its 2009 Sapphire Award.  The annual award recognizes and promotes excellence in community health programming in Florida.  MedNet was nominated for the award by Jane Egbert, Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic; Steve Lesky, Regional Vice President of Allegany Franciscan Ministries; and Tom Robbins, former Chair of the Suncoast Health Council’s Board.  The Selection Committee will conduct site visits and collect additional information from the finalists prior to announcing its decision on December 4th.

SALUTE TO OUR PARTNERS LUNCHEONRECOGNIZES 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.

PINELLAS COUNTY APPOINTS MEMBERS TO SUNCOAST HEALTH COUNCIL'S BOARD – posted April 2009

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) reappointed Dr. Glynette Barney, Grant Hurst, Doug Leonardo, Linda Parsons and Elena Parsons–Wilson to the Suncoast Health Council’s Board of Directors for an additional two year term. In addition the BOCC appointed three new Board members:  Helen King, Dr. David McKalip and Nadine Nickeson.  All eight members will serve through March 31, 2011.

MANATEE COUNTY HEALTH ASSESSMENT RELEASED – posted March 2009

The Council released the Manatee County Health Needs Assessment which it completed on behalf of the Health Department. The document contains data from multiple sources on demographic and socio-economic indicators; health status; health resource availability and access; and a special section on tobacco mortality and morbidity. The Council also interviewed key informants to gain local community input.

Click here for a copy of the Manatee Health Assessment

Click here for the zip code map

Click here for the map of resources

MEDNET EXPANDS TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – posted February 2009

The Health Council is pleased to announce the expansion of the MedNet Prescription Assistance Program to Hillsborough County.  A MedNet Navigator is headquartered at the Brandon Outreach Center on Parsons Avenue in Brandon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  The Navigator will be available at the Judeo Christian Clinic in Tampa on Thursdays and Fridays.

Click here for a list of MedNet Satellite Sites

RURAL HEALTH PLAN UPDATE RELEASED – posted February 2009

The Council released the Florida Rural Health Plan Update which it completed on behalf of the Department of Health.  The document contains survey results on twelve focus areas gathered from health care providers, community organizations, government leaders and school board representatives. 

Click here for a copy of the Plan 

COVER FLORIDA HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE – posted February 2009

Are you looking for health insurance coverage?  The new Cover Florida Health Insurance Program may be an option.  Click here to read about this new State program. The link also provides toll free phone numbers and the program’s website for additional information.

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

In celebration of the 2008 holiday season, the Health Council made donations to six 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, baby clothes, diapers, and toys.  Staff delivered the gifts to:

• Alpha House in Hillsborough County
• Church Services Center in Highlands County
• Farmworkers Self Help in Pasco County
• Healthy Start in Manatee County
• Project Hope in Pinellas County
• Redlands Christian Migrants Association in Hardee County

Click here to view photographs

HEALTH COUNCIL STAFF APPOINTED TO STATEWIDE ADVISORY GROUP – posted December 2008

Teresa Kelly, Special Project Coordinator was appointed by the Florida Department of Health to the newly formed COMPASS Technical Advisory Group. The technical advisory group will provide input and advice on the practice of community health assessment and health improvement planning in Florida. As a technical advisor Ms. Kelly will have an opportunity to impact health planning practice statewide through input on policy formation, resource and tool design, and modeling of best practices.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA WINS POSTER CONTEST AT AMERICAN EVALUATION ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE – posted November 2008

The Council’s poster, titled “Popular Empirical Assessment of Community Health (PEACH): An Interactive Methodology”, was selected as the winning poster among 117 entries at the American Evaluation Association Conference held November 5-8, 2008 in Denver, CO. The poster described how qualitative data can be captured in a quantifiable way allowing for direct integration of community input into health assessments and the development of health policy. PEACH can be used in any setting in which a group must prioritize the issues or narrow the scope of focus for a project. The prioritization process serves as the foundation of the strategy development exercise, allowing the participants to translate their decisions into action steps.

Click here to view the poster

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA AWARDED CONTRACT BY MANATEE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT – posted December 2008

The Health Council of West Central Florida was awarded funding by the Manatee County Department of Health to complete a health needs assessment. The Council will gather data from multiple sources on demographic and socio-economic indicators; health status; health resource availability and access; and a special section on tobacco mortality and morbidity. The Council will also interview key informants to gain local community input. The report will be used to identify health care needs and develop intervention priorities.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER – posted October 2008
Carole Mackey was recently appointed by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners to serve a two year term on the West Central Florida's Board of Directors. She joins David Acebo, Joel Chudnow, Jacquelyn Garvin, and Michael (Ted) Wilson as the Hillsborough County appointees to the Board of Directors.

SUNCOAST HEALTH COUNCIL AWARDED FUNDING BY ALLEGANY FRANCISCAN MINISTRIES – posted September 2008

Suncoast Health Councils, Inc. was awarded a three year grant from the Allegany Franciscan Ministries for its MedNet Initiative. The Health Council will partner with the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, Brandon Outreach Clinic and St. Anthony’s Hospital. MedNet is a community-based program which secures free prescription drugs from pharmaceutical companies insuring continuity of care for at-risk adults. The new funding will allow services to continue at the Free Clinic and expand to the Brandon Outreach Clinic. The three year grant also includes four additional strategies designed to enhance the current MedNet program.

LEAD EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROJECT APPROVES STRATEGIC PLAN – posted September 2008

The Lead Education and Awareness Project’s (LEAP) Task Force approved a long-term Strategic Plan for Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties. LEAP was funded by a one year grant from the EPA to conduct educational outreach in the target communities. The Plan provides an overview of childhood lead poisoning issues in the three counties, accomplishments by LEAP and proposed long term activities.

FINALIST FOR 2008 HEALTH CARE HEROES AWARD – posted September 2008

Elizabeth Rugg, Executive Director of the Suncoast Health Council has been chosen as a finalist in the category of Community Outreach for the Tampa Bay Business Journal 2008 Health Care Heroes Award. The recognition was given for the development and implementation of MedNet© , which targets low income chronically ill adults who lack access to prescription drug coverage. MedNet utilizes clinic based advocates to secure free prescription drugs from pharmaceutical manufacturers. The program has operated in Pinellas County since 2000 with expansion into Polk County in 2007. In calendar year 2007 MedNet secured $8 in prescription medications for every $1 spent in program services. Winners of the award will be announced on October 2nd by the event sponsors including AETNA and Mag Mutual.

NEW RYAN WHITE CARE COUNCIL MEMBERS APPOINTED – posted July 2008

Nine new members were recently appointed by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners to serve a three year term on the West Central Florida Ryan White Care Council. The Health Councils serve as support staff for the Ryan White Care Council which plans and allocates funding for services available to people with HIV in our area.

PHYSICIAN TOOL KITS DISTRIBUTED – posted Summer 2008

As part of its Lead Education and Awareness Project the Council distributed Physician Tool Kits to 200 doctors providing family medicine and pediatric care to patients in Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties. The Kits contain valuable information to maximize the physician’s ability to deal with childhood lead poisoning which can affect his/her patients. Materials contained in the Kit can be downloaded below.

Physician Tool Kit - click on each item below

Tool Kit Cover

Childhood Lead Poisoning Screening and Case Management Guide

Poster for Waiting Area or Exam Room

JAMA Article

Academy of Pediatrics Journal Article

SALUTE TO OUR PARTNERS LUNCHEON RECOGNIZES SIXTEEN INDIVIDUALS – posted April 2008

On April 16, 2007 the Health Councils held a luncheon to salute to our 2006 and 2007 program partners. For their contribution to the Lupus Seminars in 2006: Michael Friel, Esquire; Evelyn Gardner, Pinellas Technical Education Center; Michael Keefer, Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Florida Chapter; and Charlotte McHenry, West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging. For their involvement in the Mammography Outreach Project in 2007: Luz Corcuera, Healthy Start Manatee; Ansley Mora, Gulfcoast South AHEC; and Cathy Robinson-Pickett, Friends-Together. For his service as the Chair of the Ryan White Care Council in 2006 and 2007: David Konnerth. For their role in the success of MedNet in Pinellas County in 2006 and 2007: Jane Egbert, St. Petersburg Free Clinic; Linda Kahle, Pinellas Park Health Department; Steve Rich, Bayfront Family Health Center; Cheryl Robinson, Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center; Pam Rodgers, Clearwater Community Health Center; and Lou Ann Watson, St. Anthony’s Hospital. For her assistance in implementing MedNet in Polk County in 2007: Wilma Daniels, Polk Community Health and Social Services. For her dedication to the ­Treatment Support Project in 2007: Donna Walker, Watson Clinic Women’s Center. Dr Deanna Wathington of USF and Dr. Charlie Colquitt of Johnnie Ruth Clarke Center were the guest presenters at the luncheon.

Click here to view pictures of the event

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER – posted April 2008

Joel Chudnow was recently appointed by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners to serve a two year term on the West Central Florida’s Board of Directors. He joins David Acebo, Jacquelyn Garvin, Michael (Ted) Wilson and Patt Reed as the Hillsborough County appointees to the Board of Directors.

PINELLAS COUNTY APPOINTS NEW MEMBER TO SUNCOAST HEALTH COUNCIL'S BOARD – posted April 2008

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointed Elena Parsons–Wilson of the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast to the Suncoast Health Council’s Board of Directors. She joins Dr. Glynette Barney, Grant Hurst, Doug Leonardo, Linda Parsons and Tom Robbins as Pinellas representatives to the Board.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA AWARDED CONFERENCE FUNDING – posted January 2008

The Health Council of West Central Florida was awarded funding to conduct an Emergency Preparedness Conference for Persons with Disabilities in Hillsborough County. The conference, funded by the Florida Disability Task Force, was one of a series of conferences taking place throughout the State.

ANNUAL WREATH CONTEST A SUCCESS – posted December 2007
The Health Councils, Inc. annual employee holiday wreath contest was a big hit. Employees were given a theme and asked to create an original holiday wreath design. Wreaths were judged by an outside group and then donated to various organizations throughout the area. The winning wreath, titled "West Coast Innovation", was designed by Vanessa Owens, DeAndra Kelly, and Marie Crosby.

HEALTH COUNCIL'S EMPLOYEES FEATURED IN NEWSLETTER – posted December 2007
The Health Councils, Inc. is proud to announce that two of our employees have been featured in the Bayfront Newsletter. Congratulations Luisa and Marie!

Click here to view the article

PASCO COUNTY COMMUNITY AGENCY DIRECTOR JOINS SUNCOAST'S BOARD – posted November 2007

Pasco County Board of County Commissioners appointed Ms. Kim Schuknecht, Director of Premier Community Health Group to a seat on the Suncoast Health Council’s Board of Directors. Ms. Schuknecht, who will serve a two year term, joins Ron Marlowe and Dr. David Johnson as Pasco County’s appointees.

2007 HEALTH PROFILES AVAILABLE – posted November 2007
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!

PASCO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR JOINS SUNCOAST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS – posted October 2007

Pasco County Board of County Commissioners appointed Dr. David Johnson, Director of the Pasco County Health Department, to a seat on the Suncoast Health Council’s Board of Directors. Dr. Johnson, who will serve a two year term, joins Ron Marlowe as Pasco County’s appointees.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS – posted October 2007

Three new members were recently appointed by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners to serve a two year term on the West Central Florida’s Board of Directors. The new members include: David Acebo, Social Worker at the Sheriff’s Office Orient Road Jail; Jacquelyn Garvin, Owner/President of Lloyd Healthcare Staffing; and Michael (Ted) Wilson, Owner of Bay Brick Pavers. They join Patt Reed, Director of Marketing/PR at Lifepath Hospice as the Hillsborough County appointees to the Board of Directors.

THE HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA ANNOUNCES LEAD EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROJECT – posted October 2007
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc a grant to implement the Lead Education and Awareness Project (LEAP) in Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties. The goal of LEAP is to reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning and raise community awareness through educational outreach. The Project hopes to accomplish this goal through the following techniques: establishing a community partnership, creating a local resource guide, and providing educational outreach.

PINELLAS COUNTY APPOINTEES TO SUNCOAST HEALTH COUNCIL'S BOARD – posted April 2007

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) reappointed the following members to the Suncoast Board of Directors for two years: Dr. Glynette Barney, Dr. James Goss, Grant Hurst, Linda Parsons and Tom Robbins. In addition, the BOCC appointed Doug Leonardo, Executive Director of the Harbor Behavioral Health Care Institute, to a new two year term on the Suncoast Board.

MEDNET EXPANDS TO POLK COUNTY – posted Spring 2006

The Health Council's Inc. is pleased to announce the MedNet Prescription Assistance Program expansion to Polk County. Ms. Josie Pirozzoli has joined The Health Councils Inc. as a MedNet Navigator and is headquartered at the Polk County Community Health and Social Services office in Bartow.

TREATMENT SUPPORT FOR BREAST CANCER AVAILABLE – posted April 2006
The Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc. received a grant from the Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to provide financial assistance for individuals with breast cancer in a six county area.