SERVICES OFFERED-ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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    • The annual satisfaction survey of Care Council members indicated that 95% viewed staff as professional and available to members. They were quoted as saying "Staff is available to answer questions and give very appropriate input."

    The Health Councils' County Profiles have been used to educate those consumers, governmental officials and those in health care. The County Profiles have been described as "wonderful" and as "a great tool for us to educate our board".

    The evaluation survey of HillsboroughHATS members indicated that 93% viewed staff as having the expertise to facilitate the Coalition meetings; 100% thought staff encouraged members to participate and had a positive attitude. Members were quoted as saying “Well organized effort to bring together diverse group with the focus of smooth transition of care of children with chromic illness/disability with the additional consideration of the family”; and “Great Job!”











     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ninety percent of the new Care Council members indicated that the orientation presentations were clear and to the point. They described the training as "well organized" and "very comprehensive".

    LEAP trainees stated, “I found this very useful and will definitely share it with colleagues and others; Very good presentation; I feel inspired and want to teach this info to others.”

    The knowledge scores of MOP participants increased from an average of 3.09 (prior to training) to 6.91 (after training) out of a possible score of 7.

    Attendees at the Lupus seminars said, "What a great program", "Interesting speakers and wonderful handouts, thanks so much".




















     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     




     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ryan White case managers reported a satisfaction rate of 98% for the Insurance Services program in July 2008. They were quoted as saying: "Staff is extremely knowledgeable, patient and professional; The Health Council has the client’s interest at heart – it’s a great program.”

    Our MedNet program clients have said, "I am so grateful for your help, you literally have saved my life by helping me get my heart and blood pressure medication", "Your program has given me a chance to continue with my treatment, thank you".

    		 

    Strategic Plan Goal #1
    To support the accessibility of health care and social support services through comprehensive health planning.

    Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP)
    Under contract with Highlands County Health Department our staff helped the CHIP committee with assessing the health conditions affecting county residents, identifying resources to address those public health concerns and developing a plan of action.

    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  

    Health Care Transition Initiative

    The Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc. (HCWCF) 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.

    The Health Council:

    • Compiled data on general population characteristics (age, sex, race, ethnicity, number of households, household size, linguistics); demographics of disabled population (type by gender and sex, employment, income, education, clinical diagnosis, out of home, CMS clients, SSI, mental health services, mental health disorders, students by support level); Community-based Medical Services (resource listing by county); and Local Planning Councils (contact information for additional studies).  Data was compiled at the county, DOH/CMS area and state level where available for all 67 Florida counties
    • Coordinated local coalition development and strategic planning for the pilot coalition (HillsboroughHATS) resulting in an Action Plan.

    Click here to view Data Report

    Click here to view Action Plan

    Click here to view Health Transition Final Report

     

    Manatee County Health Needs Assessment

    Under contract with the Manatee County Health Department, the Council completed a health needs assessment. The Council gathered 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

    Polk County Indigent Care Study
    Under contract with Polk County government, staff collected and analyzed demographic data about the uninsured and underinsured residents of Polk County, access to health care for these residents, and reimbursements rates for healthcare providers through the Polk County's Health Plan as well as similar plans in other communities. The final report outlined the data, including the results of two client focus groups and numerous expert interviews, as well as the recommendations about reimbursement rates and enhancing access to care.

    Surveying Persons with Disabilities about Emergency Preparedness

    We contracted with the Florida Department of Health to carry out its statewide survey instrument designed to gather information about emergency preparedness among persons with disabilities.  We identified local disability service organizations to administer the survey tool to their clients and trained the staff on the instrument methodology.  We inputted the survey data into a statewide data base for further analysis.


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    Strategic Plan Goal #2
    To obtain and provide education about essential community health challenges and solutions.

    Emergency Preparedness Conference for Persons with Disabilities
    We coordinated a one day conference for persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers in Hillsborough County. The conference included presentations and exhibits by Hillsborough Emergency Operations Center, Tampa Police Department, American Red Cross, Department of Health, Self Reliance, Hillsborough County ADA Office and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Chief Meteorologist Steve Jerve of News Channel 8 and Anchor Reginald Roundtree of Tampa Bay’s 10 were speakers. There was time for questions from the audience after each presentation. Staff developed the program with input from a planning group including representatives of the Hillsborough County ADA Office, American Red Cross, Self Reliance, YES of America United, Tampa Bay AIDS Network, Goodwill, Center for Autism and Related Disorders and many others. The conference was funded in part by the Florida Disability Task Force. 

    Empowerment through Breast Health Awareness (EBHA)

    Empowerment through Breast Health Awareness (EBHA) provided educational outreach regarding breast health to raise awareness of screening, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare options. EBHA targeted south Pinellas County residents as well as healthcare providers serving that population. Special emphasis was placed on partnerships with area churches and serving minority women.

    Health Council Presentations at Professional Conferences
    One way that The Health Councils works to make health care better in your community is by sharing information about innovative programs on the local, national, and international level. Staff members are invited to conferences to educate peers and share information with the public in a variety of ways including presenting poster sessions and taking part in panel discussions.


    Click here for more information

    Lead Education and Awareness Project (LEAP)

    The goal of the EPA-funded Lead Education and Awareness Project was to reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning and raise community awareness through educational outreach in Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties. The Lead Education and Awareness Project’s activities were guided by a local Task Force.  LEAP accomplishments during the one year EPA grant included:     

    • Formed a local Task Force to provide guidance on community education and the development of a Strategic Plan
    • Designed and distributed a Physician Tool Kit to 200 family practice physicians and pediatricians
    • Conducted four Train the Trainer sessions on lead poisoning and prevention for 48 people who can serve a community trainers 
    • Provided two Lead Safe Work Practices Training sessions for 36  city/county code enforcement and health department staff, housing and weatherization providers and home renovators
    • Provided CEU training to 28 Parish Nurses
    • Developed a training video
    • Placed educational ads on nine radio stations 
    • Developed and distributed a long term Strategic Plan
    • Posted LEAP materials on www.healthcouncils.org

    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

    Click here to view Strategic Plan


    Mammography Outreach Project (MOP)
    The Mammography Outreach Project provided targeted women in Manatee and Polk Counties with training about breast cancer and mammography to increase the use of mammography as a diagnostic tool. MOP used media ads as well as lay educators to reach women and teach them about the facts of breast cancer and available community resources for mammography. Presentations by lay educators were made at community sites and private homes.  MOP was funded by the Florida Department of Health.

    Unmasking the Mystery of Lupus Seminars
    Under contract with the Florida Department of Health, we provided seminars for lupus patients and caregivers in Manatee and Pinellas Counties. The seminars addressed the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, handling the stress of a chronic illness, legal issues such as securing disability coverage, and community resources. As well as excellent presentations, attendees were provided a wealth of resource materials to take home. Staff developed the events along with a technical committee including representatives of the Lupus Foundation, county health departments, area hospitals, nursing and medical schools, Arthritis Foundation, county social services, Area Agency on Aging and others.

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    Strategic Plan Goal #3
     To participate as collaborative partners to address current and emerging health issues in order to develop and sustain efficient and cost effective service delivery systems.

    Breast Cancer Mammography Voucher Program

    The Breast Cancer Mammography Voucher Program was administered by the Health Councils from 1999 to 2002.  It was developed as a pilot project in response to a local community need.  Following a successful pilot, the program was spun off by the Council to another community agency.

     

    Breast Health Navigator Project
    The Breast Health Navigator Project provided direct referral to diagnostic support programs for Mammography Voucher Program and Breast Cancer Comprehensive Screening clients as well as care coordination services to patients diagnosed with breast cancer to insure that they understand treatment needs/choices and how, when and where to secure treatment services.

    Cystic Fibrosis Assistance Program

    The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Assistance Program was designed by the Health Council to provide access to health care and social support services for adults with Cystic Fibrosis.  The CF Assistance Program was implemented as a pilot demonstration project in Pasco and Pinellas counties in 1999 and expanded to all Florida counties in 2000.  The Health Council worked with adults and children with Cystic Fibrosis to develop the CF Assistance Program.


    Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment
    Working with existing Pinellas County agencies, we established a network of sites to help families with enrollment in Florida KidCare coverage. Program included community outreach to teach families about the coverage, help with completion of paperwork, and payment of initial health insurance enrollment fees.

    MedNet© Pilot
    In 1999, lack of access to prescription drugs was identified as the #1 public health issue in Pinellas County.  Access to prescription drugs is a critical unit in the effective management of chronic disease, yet the high cost of medicines requires people to choose between purchasing prescription drugs or other needed goods and services.

    Community leaders partnered to design a Compassionate Drug Patient Assistance Program to expand access to prescription drugs for low-income uninsured adults, including seniors. In 2000 Pinellas County Government granted funding to the Health Council to design and implement MedNet    ©.   Based on the success of that small pilot program, MedNet has grown to serve residents in five Florida counties. In calendar year 2007, the MedNet© program secured close to $2 million in free medicines with a return on investment of over $7 in free prescription drugs for every $1 spent to provide program services.  For information on the program’s current locations please click on Current Programs at the top of this page.

    Treatment Support Project for Breast Cancer Patients
    The Treatment Support Project provided financial support to patients diagnosed with breast cancer to insure that they can actively took part in their treatment plans. The support was in the form of a patient stipend limited to $500 per patient per year to cover expenses related to accessing health care, including deductibles, co-pays, COBRA/insurance premiums, medical supplies, home health and treatment support services (child care).  The project operated from April 2007-March 2009.


    		 





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