Florida Rural Health Plan Update

The Health Council under contract with the Department of Health reviewed and updated the Florida Rural Health Plan. Working with a Statewide Advisory Committee, the Council designed an online survey tool to gather data on twelve focus areas, including primary care, emergency medical/trauma services, chronic diseases management, medications, behavioral health, and dental. The survey respondents included health care providers, community social service organizations, government leaders and school board representatives. The data will be used to set priorities and objectives for rural health issues affecting Florida.

Click here for a copy of the Plan  

___________________________________________________

Insurance Services Program Performance Report

The Insurance Services Program (ISP) was created by the Health Council to assure continuity in health insurance coverage for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA).  The ISP pays the health insurance premiums and prescription drug co-pay fees for over 800 PLWA in West Central Florida.  Funding for ISP services is provided by Hillsborough County Government, which serves as the lead agency to receive state and federal HIV/AIDS funds that flow to the local community.  

Click here to view the Insurance Services Program Performace Report 

___________________________________________________

Lead Education and Awareness Project (LEAP) Strategic Plan

The Health Council of West Central Florida received a one year grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to raise community awareness and reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning in Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties.  The strategic plan was developed with input from a task force of representatives from the three counties and has a list of problem areas and proposed actions.  To learn how you can get involved, please review the strategic plan.

Click here to view the LEAP Strategic Plan

___________________________________________________

Manatee County Health Needs Assessment

The Council under contract with the Manatee County Health Department completed the Manatee County Health Needs Assessment. 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. The report can be used to identify health care needs and develop intervention priorities.

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© Performance Report

The Health Council’s prescription assistance program - MedNet© - assisted over 4300 individuals to apply for prescription assistance services during calendar year 2009.  MedNet staff secured over 12,000 in free prescription medicines for program clients, the majority of whom were uninsured. In total, MedNet secured over $5.2 million in free prescription medicines for program clients, returning almost $10 in free medicines for every $1 spent to provide program services.

MedNet staff provides program services from community-based locations in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk and Seminole counties.  MedNet sites are located at Federally Qualified Community Health Centers, free clinics, community-based social service agencies, and a local hospital. Services are provided without cost to low-income, uninsured chronically ill residents, as well as individuals under-insured by various public and private health insurance programs. MedNet services are funded by state and county governments, private foundations, and community-based organizations.  

Click here to view the 2009 Report of MedNet Performance

Click here to view the 2008 Report of MedNet Performance

Contact erugg@healthcouncils.org for site-specific MedNet performance information

___________________________________________________

Polk Indigent Care Study
The Health Council was selected to conduct a study of the health care needs associated with the uninsured and underinsured residents throughout Polk County, Florida. The study was commissioned by the Polk Healthcare Citizen's Oversight Committee in 2006 to assess the Polk Indigent Health Care System and the Polk Health Plan. The study reviews several key data points and outlines recommendations to improve the existing system.

Click here to view the Polk Indigent Care Report

___________________________________________________

White Paper on Compassionate Drug Programs
Heart disease, cancer, and stroke are among the leading causes of death in the United States and Florida. Access to prescription drugs is a critical element in the effective management of chronic diseases. Many health care consumers are often forced to choose between the use of prescription drugs and paying for housing or groceries. The Suncoast Health Council prepared the White Paper on Access to Prescription Drug Services in late 2006 to identify the current state of access and propose solutions for the future.

Click here to view the White Paper

______________________________________________

Florida Department of Health Strategic Plan
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has established goals to improve the health of Florida citizens.  The Health Councils, Inc. (THC) works collaboratively with FDOH to accomplish many of those goals. For example, improved access to prescription drugs, through our MedNet program, makes it easier for adults to manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Click here to view the Florida Department of Health's Strategic Plan