Florida Department of Health Strategic Plan
The Health Councils, Inc. (THC) works collaboratively to make health care better in our community. Several innovative programs from THC work hand in hand to accomplish goals set forth by the Florida Department of Health. Improved access to prescription drugs, through THC's 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

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Polk Indigent Care Study
The Health Council of West Central Florida 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.

To View the Indigent Health Care Study For Polk County, Florida
Click Here

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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 Download

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MedNet© Performance Report – Calendar Year 2007 

The Health Council’s prescription assistance program - MedNet© - assisted over 1,600 individuals apply for prescription assistance services during calendar year 2007.  MedNet staff secured over 4,400 in free prescription medications for program clients, 72% of whom were uninsured.  In total, MedNet secured over $1.6 million in free prescription medications for program clients, returning an average of $7 in free medications for every $1 spent to provide program services. 

MedNet staff provides program services from 7 community-based locations in Pinellas County, including Federally Qualified Community Health Centers, a free clinic, and a local hospital.  Return on Investment across program sites ranged from $5.59 to $1 to over $12 to $1 in 2007, with the highest return generated by clinic-based program sites.

MedNet services are provided without cost to low-income, uninsured and under-insured chronically ill adults in Pinellas County, including participants in Pinellas County’s indigent health care plan.  MedNet services are funded by Pinellas County Health and Human Services, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, and the Florida Department of Health.    

Three (3) new MedNet sites were opened in Pinellas County during calendar year 2007.  A MedNet site was also brought on-line in Polk County, and two (2) MedNet sites were established in Seminole County in collaborative with the Health Council’s sister affiliate in District 7.   In 2008, the Health Council will partner with the Pinellas County Health Department to provide MedNet services to participants accessing preventive care services at the new adult care pilot projects scheduled to open in late February at the Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg health department clinics.

Click here to view the MedNet© Performance Report for Calendar Year 2007.