SPRING 2013
Public Health
DIRECTIONS In This Issue: A Message from Richard J. Cohen (2)… PHMC Welcomes the Villa (2)... Q&A with Caryn Gratz (3)... Bridging the Gaps: Innovation in Data Sharing Policies Through an Interdisciplinary Partnership (4)... PHMC Innovates with Electronic Health Record Consulting Services (6)... HPC’s Tobacco Enforcement Program Unveils Tablet PC (7)... Fifth Annual Community Health Partners for Sustainability Conference Meets in Philadelphia (8)... CHDB: PHMC Center for Data Innovation (9)... The Public Health Bracket (10)
PHMC Researchers Identify Gaps in LGBT Elder Health Care
A
s a longtime teacher, Brenda Clark
215 self-administered surveys of persons
ings, revealed that 39 percent of study
never had a reason to be concerned
55 or older living in the Philadelphia area
participants reported negative experienc-
about accessing health care while
who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual
es with healthcare providers. Two-thirds
she was employed. However, today, as a
and/or transgender, or reported a same-
of those reporting a negative experience
recent retiree at the age of 54 and a gay
sex partner in the past 12 months. All data
attributed this mistreatment to their
woman, Clark worries about both herself
collection procedures and instruments
sexual orientation or gender presenta-
and her LGBT peers who may not have
were developed in collaboration with the
tion or identity. “There was a great deal
easy access to care in their later years. In a
project’s 20-person Community Advisory
of interest from the LGBT community
recently released study titled “Assessment
Board, which included members of the
about our study,” says research assistant
of Health Needs of LGBT Older Adults in
LGBT community, like Clark, as well as
Janene Brown, who worked on the assess-
Philadelphia,” researchers at PHMC’s Re-
service providers. “I wanted to look at the
ment project and presented the results at
search and Evaluation Group analyzed
issues that affect women my age who have
a town hall at Philadelphia’s Church of St.
the health needs of older LGBT residents
trouble accessing health care,” says Clark.
Luke and the Epiphany in October. “We
in Philadelphia through a comprehensive
“I’ve always had health insurance and car-
wanted to share our findings with care
survey of over 200 people.
ing providers, but I know not everybody is
providers and the community, keep them
that lucky. And I know that as I’m getting
engaged in conversation and get recom-
older, more health issues may come up.”
mendations from them.”
The study started with a series of focus groups and individual interviews, which helped to inform the development of the
The groundbreaking study focused on
The preliminary release of the study’s
survey instrument. In addition to the quali-
the unique healthcare issues impacting
results coincided with acceptance of Penn-
tative data, the study includes data from
LGBT older adults and, among other find-
continued on page 5
“ I ’ve always had health insurance and caring providers, BUT I KNOW NOT EVERYBODY IS THAT LUCKY.”
a publication of
PUBLIC HEALTH
management corporation
A MESSAGE from Richard J. Cohen Here at PHMC, innovation isn’t just a word—it’s woven into the very core of our public health work.
E
very day, our employees and stake-
Our commitment to regional innovation
Our public health work doesn’t stop in
holders look at the work we do and
is also embodied in PHMC’s Center for
the Delaware Valley. Our passion to inno-
find creative ways to do it better. In-
Data Innovation, which provides cutting-
vate motivates us to share our resources
novation means not only developing new
edge research solutions to the nonprofit
with communities nationwide. It’s why
solutions, but also staying ahead of the
and corporate sectors and directly increas-
our affiliate, National Nursing Centers
industry, providing our clients with high-
es the overall well-being of the commu-
Consortium, continues to partner with
quality holistic care, tapping into our vast
nity. Or in our partnership with our new-
health lawyers, public health researchers
network and constantly expanding our ser-
est affiliate, The Villa, which provides a
and social service providers from a variety
vices. Because the work we do doesn’t just
specialized residential program for youth.
of national organizations to increase the
affect lives, it affects entire communities,
Through the work of Caryn Gratz, our new
transparency of information to health de-
both regionally and nationally.
managing director of behavioral health, we
partments nationwide.
Our employees are always pushing for new initiatives in our region, like at Health
were able to partner with The Villa and further expand our service offerings.
But we couldn’t do it without you. Your support helps create and sustain healthier
Promotion Council, where employees part-
We understand that innovation needs
nered with our IS team to provide electronic
to be shared to help increase community
tablets to better report merchants who sell
impact. And that’s why we believe it’s part
tobacco to children. Or through Targeted
of our responsibility as a leading public
Solutions, our consulting arm, which helps
health institute to provide assistance to
healthcare centers enter the 21st century
other providers across the country. For ex-
by implementing electronic health records.
ample, our Community Health Partners
Richard J. Cohen, PhD, FACHE
The quest for innovation also inspired our
for Sustainability, which celebrated its
President and CEO of PHMC
Research and Evaluation team to pioneer
fifth conference just this year, continues
a groundbreaking study on LGBT elders
to provide health clinics with the backup
and identify gaps in health care.
they need to focus on care.
communities. Thank you for all you do. Yours in public health,
PHMC Welcomes The Villa
I
n spring 2013, The Villa, formerly St.
the community. The Villa’s comprehensive
appropriate social skills. Additionally, the
Mary’s Villa for Children and Families,
program addresses the physical, cognitive,
programming focuses on the skill develop-
a specialized residential program for
social, educational and emotional needs of
ment necessary for reunification with family
youth, joined PHMC as a member of its affil-
youth so they can become productive mem-
and introduction into the public school sys-
iate family. The Villa serves youth who have
bers of society. The Villa offers services to
tem. The inclusion of The Villa in PHMC’s
demonstrated a history of truancy, emotion-
address academic issues and strengthen
affiliate family further expands the scope of
al trauma, family conflict and difficulties in
family relationships, while developing age-
PHMC’s services to the community.
page 2 PHMC.ORG
A Holistic Role: Q&A with Caryn Gratz, Managing Director of Behavioral Health Public Health Directions sat down with Caryn Gratz, managing director of behavioral health at PHMC, to talk about her beginnings as a social worker, her passion for behavioral health and her plans for PHMC’s behavioral health network in 2013.
Q A
Tell us, what attracted you to the work of behavioral health? Were you always in this field? I’ve been in the field of behavioral health for over 25 years. Initially, I started as a social worker because I loved working
program this large? [Laughs] Well, on the flip side, the pro can also be a con. Our diversity is both impressive and challenging. But the actual chal-
Q A
for PHMC’s behavioral health network this year? One of our primary focuses is the integration of primary and behavioral care under PHMC. We also want to em-
lenges have more to do with reacting to
phasize the infusion quality initiatives.
ference in their lives. Later on, I moved
changes in funding streams and policies.
In the midst of financial and political
administrative, holistic role—enforcing system-wide change by influencing the structure of programs.
A
of managing a behavioral network
What are some of your team’s plans
directly with people and making a diffrom direct care with adults to a more
Q
Q A
What are some of the challenges
You’ve only been working here
Q A
changes, we challenge ourselves to Who or what inspires you as you carry
maintain a high level of quality for
out this work?
our clients. We believe we can find
Before I came here, I was fortunate
creative ways to work with our clients
enough to be mentored by the individu-
and their families. Finally, we want to
als responsible for de-institutionalizing
continue to grow and expand through
since October 2012. What impresses
behavioral health and bringing clients
partnerships with other organizations
you about PHMC’s behavioral health
into the community and helping them
in the community.
network?
navigate the system. It was a good learn-
Its diversity. PHMC’s behavioral health
ing experience and it offered me an
network has such a diverse range of pro-
invaluable perspective on the effects
gramming. We have a lot of expertise and
transformation and recovery can have on
knowledge in a lot of areas, ranging from
clients. It also gave me more depth about
addiction services to sexual abuse.
behavioral health.
Q A
And finally, what do you do when you’re not helping to transform lives at PHMC? I strive to spend all the time that I can with my 10-year-old and 8-year-old daughters.
Join JJPI at Widener University May 4
O
n Saturday, May 4, PHMC affiliate
tured presenters include Dr. Richard Gartner,
tim hood to the possibilities for men healing
Joseph J. Peters Institute kicks off
therapist and nationally recognized author on
and restoring trust in their relationships. Par-
the second in a series of conferences
recovery from male childhood sexual abuse,
ticipants will learn how these injuries arise,
at Widener University about men’s lives will
and Dr. Michael Kimmel, sociologist, and
are exacerbated by, the culture of masculinity
focus on healing from childhood trauma from
one of our era’s foremost thinkers on male de-
and effects of growing up male in our society.
sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying, and
velopment and masculinity. The goal is to help
For more information about the conference, or
emotional abuse related to homophobia. Fea-
participants think beyond pathology and vic-
to register, email events@jjp.org.
Public Health DIRECTIONS SPRING 2013 page 3
Bridging the Gaps: Innovation in Data Sharing Policies Through an Interdisciplinary Partnership
H
ow do public health initiatives
Policy Director Jamie Ware and PHMC’s
laws will include statutes and regulations
identify and treat diseases as effec-
Senior Research Associate Jennifer Lauby,
in all 50 states, Washington DC, and the
tively as possible? The need to pro-
who is directing the overall project.
10 cities with the highest HIV burden that
vide comprehensive, consistent treatment
“The clients that health departments serve
are eligible for direct CDC funding: Atlan-
for people with HIV/AIDS, STDs, viral
often suffer from a number of chronic condi-
ta, Baltimore, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale,
hepatitis and tuberculosis has accelerated
tions and behavioral health issues. Tradition-
Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York,
momentum toward collaboration and inte-
ally, they have had to go to separate service
Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
gration of prevention services by health de-
providers for each of their conditions, result-
After researching the laws, the team’s
partments. In 2009, the Centers for Disease
ing in care that is fragmented and uncoor-
next steps include categorizing and evalu-
Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a
dinated,” says Lauby. While PCSI develops
ating the existing laws. Those results are
framework called “Program Collaboration
strategies for more coordination among pro-
then posted online on PHLR’s Law Atlas
and Service Integration Strategy” (PCSI)
viders and healthcare agencies, one potential
page (www.lawatlas.org). A final report
to improve health outcomes for these dis-
barrier to coordination is the need to protect
will identify jurisdictions with the fewest
eases. In fall 2012, National Nursing Cen-
the confidential health information of each
barriers to data sharing that can be a model
ters Consortium (NNCC) and PHMC jointly
patient. Care providers are required to work
for other jurisdictions.
began a new project through funding from
within the laws of their state to find ways to
“Although all health departments across
the National Network of Public Health In-
best share information and coordinate care,
the country should be thinking about how
stitutes (NNPHI), of which PHMC has been
while also protecting their clients’ privacy.
laws, regulations, and rules used to protect
a member for the last eight years.
“Our project will make it easier for healthcare
people’s confidential information can af-
The project, titled “Addressing Policy
agencies and providers to find and under-
fect successful data-sharing within health
Barriers for State and Local Health Depart-
stand the laws that govern sharing of health
departments, it takes a certain amount of
ments When Implementing the Program
information in their state,” says Lauby.
resources,” says Ware. “An assessment of
Collaboration and Service Integration Strat-
Beginning in September 2012, the
laws related to the confidentiality of pa-
egy,” involves a unique collaboration be-
NNCC, PHMC, the NNPHI and the CDC
tient data has not been conducted in the
tween PHMC, NNCC, the Temple Law Pub-
met about the project and shortly thereaf-
last 10 years, but in this time of dwindling
lic Health Law Research Program (PHLR),
ter began collecting relevant statutes and
resources, we think it’s vital work.”
and the PCSI Program at the Philadelphia
regulations that address reporting require-
The end result will be a website available to
Department of Public Health and five other
ments for HIV/AIDS, STDs, viral hepatitis,
the public in May 2013. All the relevant laws
PCSI sites across the country, and aims
tuberculosis and more. These data include
will then be available online, via a policy sur-
to improve the implementation of PCSI
confidentiality and permissible disclosure
veillance page, where updates can be made.
through awareness of confidentiality laws.
to service providers; laws affecting partner
“This project maximizes the opportunity for
The interdisciplinary PHMC team includes
notification; and laws on the use and secu-
programs in health departments to share
NNCC’s Policy Associate Sarah Hexem and
rity of surveillance data. The inventory of
data about shared patients.” says Ware.
Notables Honors Awards and Achievements
nonprofit organization that provides first-time, low-
on a documentary she wrote, directed and produced
Eudora Burton, a social-services specialist for Open-
income mothers with a public health nurse home
called GenerationNext: Uncovered. The 19-minute
ing Doors, a program of PHMC initially funded by
visiting program. In her role, Burton helps mothers
video captures teens and young adults talking about
the Pew Foundation and currently supported by the
increase their knowledge and skills to secure safe, af-
living with HIV. The video project was a collaboration
Southeastern Pennsylvania United Way, was recently
fordable housing for their families. To find the article
between iChoose2live, a media and performing arts
featured in The Philadelphia Daily News. Opening
in The Philadelphia Daily News in full, click here.
based company, and Take Control Philly, a Philadelphia
Doors provides supports to PHMC affiliate National Nursing Centers Consortium’s Nurse-Family Partner-
page 4 PHMC.ORG ship (NFP), the
Philadelphia branch of a national
Department of Public Health (PDPH) Sexually TransmitOn December 11, Shenille Melton, PALMS project co-
ted Disease (STD) program. To watch the documentary
ordinator was featured on Huffington Post for her work
in full, visit the Huffington Post website.
Closing the Gap... continued from page 1
The study, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund, as-
sylvania’s 2012–2016 State Plan on Aging
sessed the healthcare experiences and needs of LGBT older adults in Philadelphia, documented barri-
by the US Administration on Aging and
ers to accessing health care and recommended screenings. The survey provided a more comprehensive
the Administration for Community Living,
snapshot of the senior LGBT experience. “Very few studies have been done of LGBT elders,” says Brown.
which included input from PHMC research-
“It’s still a field where there’s a lot to learn.” During the study, “Assessment of Health Needs of LGBT
ers on LGBT elder issues. It also explored
Older Adults in Philadelphia,” researchers uncovered the following information from participants:
LGBT older adults’ plans and concerns for the future, including housing and long-term care, and developed policy recommendations to be shared with government agencies and organizations providing services to older adults. “The study found that one
17%
17%
44%
in five participants reported that they delayed or were unable to obtain medications, dental care and medical care because of insurance and other factors,” says Brown.
Seventeen percent of participants reported that they did not have health insur-
“Also these questions asked whether par-
ance in the past year, 17% didn’t have prescription drug coverage in the past year
ticipants didn’t seek medical care/dental
and 44% didn’t have dental insurance in the past year.
care because of the cost alone. These are things providers need to know.” At the town hall meeting, Clark joined more than 60 others from the LGBT community in giving recommendations that the researchers can implement as part of their project. Audience members provided input in three focus areas: health infor-
89% 5%
of participants reported receiving a blood pressure screening in the past year of participants reported that they don’t need to get their blood pressure checked
mation for older adults, access to care and social services. Recommendations included more education and outreach targeting older LGBT adults, increased social spaces and programs affirming of
The three most commonly used older adult
older LGBT adults to help decrease isola-
resources were transportation services
tion, sensitivity training for providers of
or resources (32%), activities and pro-
care and increased availability of sexual health information tailored to the needs
56% of participants
of older adults. “The community has come
reported living alone
grams at senior centers (24%), and meals or food programs (17%).
a long way,” says Clark, “But there’s still a long way to go.”
The December edition of Philadelphia SmartCEO
learning is an ideal vehicle for Science, Technology,
In February, “Tapestry of Life,” a broadcast of Commu-
Magazine features Richard J. Cohen, PHMC’s CEO
Engineering and Math (STEM), as a part of the Out-of-
nity College of Philadelphia’s CCPTV, featured Interim
and President in an article titled, “How Philadelphia
School curriculum. Project-based-learning (PBL) em-
House, a PHMC affiliate. Host Pascal Scoles, Jr., profes-
business leaders are preparing for 2013.” To read the
phasizes hands-on activities and is driven by student
sor of CCP’s Behavioral Health Human Services Program,
article online, click here.
interest and authentic inquiry. PBL classrooms engage
Department of Behavioral Sciences, interviewed Interim
students with new ideas - while preserving the fun
House director Kathy Wellbank and former client, cur-
Jason Schwalm, Out-of-School time program special-
and freedom of after school programming. Program
rent staffer Thelma Yancey. To watch the full episode
ist recently contributed an article in AfterSchool Today.
specialists at OST have observed an increase in STEM
In the article, Schwalm writes about how project-based
activites since the advent of PBL in Philadelphia.
of “Tapestry of Life – Women in Recovery,” click here.
Public Health DIRECTIONS SPRING 20137 page 5 continued on page
Targeted Solutions™
PHMC Innovates with Electronic Health Record Consulting Services In addition to helping nonprofit organizations in the region address many of the challenges of today’s changing health and human services environment, PHMC’s Targeted Solutions consults with outside healthcare service agencies to provide a broad spectrum of innovative services pertaining to health information technology (HIT), such as the implementation of electronic health records (EHR).
O
ne such partnership is between
and administrators usher their practices
clear to me that we did not have all the
Targeted Solutions and Planned
and patients into the next stage of technol-
necessary expertise in-house,” says Ilene
Parenthood of Southeastern Penn-
ogy. This work can directly improve care
Marker, vice president for patient services
sylvania (PPSP). Currently, PHMC offers
quality and accessibility.” Transitioning
at PPSP. “We were delighted to find Tar-
HIT consulting services via Targeted So-
from paper to electronic health records
geted Solutions. Their experience support-
lutions to PPSP, which has 12 locations
is a major interdepartmental project with
ing electronic medical records transitions,
throughout the region. Services include go-
which PHMC has many years’ experience,
range of skills within the group and collab-
live project management and coordination,
both from transitioning its own health cen-
orative work model have helped us launch
needs assessment, workflow analysis and
ters to EHR in 2007 and through PHMC’s
the project with confidence and clarity. We
advising on best practices for transitioning
work with PA REACH East, the Regional
are very pleased to be partnering with them
from paper health records to EHR.
Extension Center in eastern PA dedicated
on this critical undertaking.”
“Planned Parenthood’s services are
to helping healthcare practices meet the
For more information about EHR as-
crucial to southeastern Pennsylvania,”
federal standard of care with EHRs known
sistance for your health center, contact
says Anne Lynn, MPH, health informa-
as Meaningful Use.
Michael Bedrosian, managing director
tion technology specialist II at PHMC.
“When we began planning for our transi-
“Through this work, we will help providers
tion to electronic medical records, it was
of information systems for PHMC, at mikeb@phmc.org.
“ Through this work, we will help providers and administrators usher their practices and patients into the next stage of technology. THIS WORK CAN DIRECTLY IMPROVE CARE QUALITY AND ACCESSIBILITY.”
Targeted Solutions, the consulting practice of Public Health Management Corporation, helps nonprofit organizations in the region address many of the challenges of today’s changing health and human services environment. From improving communication with funders and donors to carrying out mission-critical initiatives and increasing operating efficiencies, PHMC’s Targeted Solutions offers practical, strategic, proactive consulting services and products tailored to meet the needs of client organizations. For a full list of Targeted Solutions products and services, please contact Farrah Parkes at fparkes@phmc.org or 267.765.2343.
HPC’s Tobacco Enforcement Program Unveils Tablet PCs
A
s a parent, Theresa Keith knows
In January 2013, tablet PCs replaced pa-
a citation. “In the last year, the sales rate of
firsthand the importance of keep-
per as the primary method of reporting to-
tobacco decreased 8 percent,” says Keiren
ing tobacco out of the hands of
bacco merchants that illegally sell tobacco
O’Connell, regional director of HPC’s To-
youth. “When I drop my daughter off to
to minors. “This has been a dream for quite
bacco Prevention and Control Programs.
high school, there’s always a certain cor-
a while,” says John Mullane, program man-
“I fully expect that this number will get
ner where the teens are gathered, smok-
ager at HPC’s Tobacco Enforcement Pro-
even lower thanks to this new technology.”
ing,” she recalls. However, as an FDA
gram. “In the past, reports were all done on
HPC collaborated closely with PHMC’s
commissioned officer and tobacco enforce-
paper surveys that then had to be returned
IS department on the tablet initiative.
ment coordinator for Health Promotion
to the office, during business hours, and
“PHMC has the unique capability to not
Council (HPC), a PHMC affiliate, Keith
faxed to the city for enforcement. With this
only develop applications for its programs,
actually has the power to prevent tobacco
new device, we will be able to send out a re-
but also to host them as a cloud services
from ever reaching the hands of minors.
port immediately after the illegal sale.” In
provider,” says Michael Bedrosian, man-
In her position at HPC’s Tobacco Enforce-
addition to decreasing turnaround time, the
aging director of information systems. “The
ment Program, which receives funds from
digital reports have the additional benefit
application uses the tablet’s GPS capability
the Philadelphia Department of Public
of clarifying reports. “Sometimes it can be
to record the exact location of the store,
Health to monitor Philadelphia stores for
hard to discern handwriting,” says Keith,
making it easier to support Department of
compliance with the Youth Access Law to
laughing. “Not everyone has the neatest,
Public Health enforcement efforts.”
prohibit tobacco sales to those under age
most legible handwriting.”
Jeffrey Knightly, a programmer analyst
18, Keith performs tobacco compliance
In Philadelphia alone, HPC has conduct-
with IS, helped with the project. He and
checks twice weekly at stores throughout
ed as many as 10,000 surveys a year for
other IS programmers created an applica-
Philadelphia. Along with 16 adult survey-
SmokeFreePhilly. Adults escort youth to
tion that allows users to take pictures of
ors, and seven youth surveyors, Keith and
various locations in the city that sell tobac-
the stores with their tablets, record infor-
her team at HPC make unscheduled stops
co. At the location, youth go into the store
mation about the store, and if the store is in
to merchants all over the city to find out
and attempt to buy tobacco products. Once
violation, generate a report of the violation
who may be illegally selling tobacco to mi-
the sale occurs, the adults report the inci-
to be immediately processed for a citation.
nors. Now, Keith and her team’s job just
dent to the Philadelphia Department of En-
“It just saves so much time,” says Knightly.
got easier, thanks to tablet PCs.
vironmental Health Services, which issues
“It’s an invaluable tool.”
Notables... continued from page 5
cialists, they will receive more opportunities for well-
communities and their residents,” says PHMC research
Students Run Philly Style, a program of National
paying careers helping other people who struggle
associate Rose Malinowski Weingartner. “They al-
Nursing Centers Consortium, a PHMC affiliate, was
with drug abuse and or behavioral challenges.
low programs to better understand the needs of the
feature in this month’s issue of Sports Illustrated.
people they’re serving.” To read the full CHDB press
Read the article, “How running changed the life of
In February, five environmental education projects re-
release, visit the PHMC website. Additionally, visit our
one Philadelphia teenage,” online now.
ceived a total of $25,000 in grants from National Nurs-
Public Health Dialogue blog for a Philadelphia Daily
ing Centers Consortium, a PHMC affiliate, through a
News article about the CHDB data release.
Grants
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grant re-
In February, Interim House, a PHMC affiliate, received
cipients include Briar Bush Nature Center, Sustainable
PHMC affiliate Metropolitan Career Center, a non-
a $12,500 Career Development for Women in Recovery
Business Education Initiative, Green Treks Network and
profit workforce development organization that edu-
grant from Women’s Way. The grant provides 15 suc-
more. To read the full list and to learn more about the
cates and trains individuals who have limited access
cessful graduates of Interim House the opportunity to
projects, read the full story in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
to resources, has been awarded a two-year, $717,000
participate in a rigorous program to become certified
grant by STRIVE International to provide training and
in Pennsylvania as Peer Recovery Specialists. They
As of February, Community Health Data Base is excit-
employment services to formerly incarcerated juve-
will receive academic and GED training with Interim
ed to announce the release of the data from the 2012
niles and young adults. The grant will enable MCC
House’s teachers and career training from PRO-ACT
Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey.
to serve 120 youth in Philadelphia through a new
(Pennsylvania Recovery Organization – Achieving
“The results of our 2012 Household Health Survey
U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)–funded initiative
Community Together). As certified Peer Recovery Spe-
provide an excellent snapshot of the wellbeing of our
called STRIVE for the Future.
Public Health DIRECTIONS SPRING 2013 page 7
Fifth Annual Community Health Partners for Sustainability Conference Meets in Philadelphia
I
among
Association of Community Health Centers
trators and community partners across
other things, the implications of Afford-
and was made possible with the support
the United States had the opportunity
able Care Act implementation, which au-
of the Independence Foundation and the
to learn more about the Congreso Health
thorizes funding to expand the nation’s
Independence Blue Cross Foundation.
Center, Philadelphia’s newest Federally
network of FQHCs, which currently serve
“Transforming health care through inno-
Qualified Health Center (FQHC), a part-
20 million patients and are estimated to
vation is our foundation’s mission, and
nership of PHMC and Congreso de Latinos
serve double that number by 2015. “The
we’re proud that our funding for safety-
Unidos. The center, which serves an esti-
Affordable Care Act is remaking our na-
net clinics, serving more than 150,000 of
mated 2,500 patients annually, opened in
tion’s healthcare system. This means
our region’s most vulnerable, has helped
December 2012 and offers fully bilingual
communities that have traditionally been
increase access to quality care,” said Lori-
primary care to residents in the community
unserved or underserved have a tremen-
na Marshall-Blake, president of the Inde-
regardless of their ability to pay.
dous opportunity to access the services
pendence Blue Cross Foundation. “We’re
n November 2012, clinicians, adminis-
The
symposium
examined,
The tour was just one feature of “Scal-
they need to stay healthy,” said Alex Lehr
pleased to participate in the sharing of
able Innovations for Health Centers and
O’Connell, director of Community Health
ideas and best practices that will continue
Public Housing,” a national technical as-
Partners for Sustainability. “The sympo-
to best serve those in need.”
sistance symposium hosted by Community
sium highlighted those opportunities, and
Health Partners for Sustainability, a pro-
explored best practices to ensure that
gram of PHMC affiliate National Nursing
so-called safety-net care never becomes
Interested in participating in the next Com-
Centers Consortium. Community Health
second-class care, but remains care of the
munity Health Partners for Sustainability
Partners for Sustainability is a nonprofit
highest quality and efficiency.”
national symposium, “Keys to Health Cen-
provider of technical assistance and con-
The event was held in partnership with
ter Success,” in Denver, Colorado, on June
sultation for community health centers in
the Pennsylvania Association of Commu-
4–6, 2013? Submit an abstract. Click here
underserved neighborhoods that lack ac-
nity Health Centers, the Alliance for Chil-
for more information.
cess to affordable, quality health care.
dren and Families, and the Mid-Atlantic
Community Health Partners for Sustainability Snapshot The 2012 symposium “Scalable Innovations for Health Centers and Public Housing,” was held November 29–30, 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia. There were 224 attendees from 29 states, as well as the District of Colombia and Puerto Rico. Over 25 individuals engaged in one-on-one technical assistance with Community Health Partners for Sustainability staff and consultants during the symposium. In December, symposium participants were asked for feedback on each of the presenters. The overall session received an aggregate evaluation score of 8.14 out of ten (compared to an industry average of 7.10/10), and feedback was positive across all plenary and breakout presentations.
page 8 PHMC.ORG
PHMC Center for Data Innovation Measuring Impact of Programs For Overall Wellbeing of the Community
P
HMC understands intimately the
the Delaware Valley area. The services this
importance of data for regional orga-
center will provide for its members are:
nizations that deal with health ser-
A geographic reach that extends beyond
Collaborations with national, state and federal agencies as well as foundations to both inform and disseminate information
vices, as well as its significance for policy
the Southeastern Pennsylvania region
The center will also support innovative
and decision makers in matters of commu-
Quantitative data collection through the
organization-wide initiatives, PHMC’s in-
nity health. As a public health institute and
Community Health Database (CHDB)
ternal programs and help understand area
a leader in community health data collec-
and its biennial Household Health Sur-
residents better so that we can provide mea-
tion, analysis, integration and application,
vey, other targeted community surveys,
surable impact to the communities we serve.
PHMC is constantly innovating to enrich its
and qualitative data collection including
“We are getting a very good response from
data. In February 2013, PHMC expanded
focus groups, key informant interviews
our members who appreciate this value-offer-
its scope even further—as an outgrowth of
and multimodal research initiatives that
ing,” says Francine Axler, senior research
the work of PHMC’s Research and Evalua-
are integrative with and expand the
associate. CHDB members look forward
depth of our community surveys
to the household survey results every two
tion Group (REG)—through the launch of the Center for Data Innovation. The mis-
Community health needs assessments
years, through its biennial survey. Currently,
sion of the Center for Data Innovation is to
and community health policy studies
CHDB is one of the largest community-based
expand on the existing Community Health
Technical assistance trainings on out-
household health surveys and is used by
Data Base and deliver data-driven results to
come measurement and logic models
over 400 agencies. It follows a unique meth-
improve the well-being of communities as a
Innovative online tools, data dash-
odology that enables it to offer insight into
whole. The Center expands on the rich Com-
boards, web page applications, and en-
neighborhoods and service areas, creating
munity Health Data Base products and ser-
hanced online analytic capabilities that
a tailored product for each user. Now with
vices and will include additional capabilities
improve the accessibility and timeliness
the launch of the center, consumers get en-
for both nonprofit and corporate members in
of information that the Center collects
hanced offerings all in one place.
We did a search process to find a research partner to help hospitals with the community needs assessments required by the Affordable Care Act. Our research showed CHDB as a clear winner. CHDB is unique because it can provide regional information on a whole host of public health and health care access issues. The data is great for viewing trends, making longitudinal comparisons and comparing how we’re doing on national, state and Healthy People goals. It was also great to work directly with their staff to develop our community needs assessment questionnaire. The Community Health Data Base (CHDB) South-
Priscilla Koutsouradis
eastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey is
Communications Director, Delaware Valley Healthcare Council of The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of one Pennsylvania of the largest regional health surveys in the nation, covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, and now
We’ve been using CHDB for 10 plus years. CHDB is innovative in that it is always addingSchuylkill, new topics to itsBerks biennial Lancaster, and Centre Counties. It has beenCHDB conducted every two years since 1994. The questionnaire. It does a good job of collecting, analyzing and promoting the database. Having data certainly Pew Charitable Trusts, the William Penn Foundation, gave Main Line Health a leg up on other parts of the country that don’t have the extensive community health database United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and
that we’re fortunate to have. We use CHDB data and information for many of our grant proposals and for demographic
over 350 local agencies from the health,
information that are hard to find elsewhere.
government, nonprofit and academic sectors help to support CHDB. For more informa-
Morris Fansler, MPA, FACHE
tion on CHDB, visit chdbdata.org.
Director, Strategic Marketing and Research, Main Line Health
Public Health DIRECTIONS SPRING 2013 page 9
SPRING 2013
Public Health DIRECTIONS Public Health Directions is produced and distributed in electronic format only. If you know someone who would like to receive it, or if you would like to update your email address, please contact us at communications@phmc.org or call 267.773.4346.
The Public Health Bracket In our last issue, we asked you how would like to see PHMC share public health news and information. Here is what you said: Videos on YouTube that highlight public health programs and services 0% A blog featuring public health thought leaders 50.0%
More photos on our Twitter and Facebook pages 50%
You’ll be happy to know that since our last issue, we have created a new blog in response to your feedback and increased the photos on our social media. Find out more by visiting our blog, Public Health Dialogue. In this issue, since our theme is “innovation,” we ask: How do public health institutes innovate for the future? Focus on training young leaders for the future Collaborate with local public health programs at colleges and universities to provide research-based curriculum Align our programming with nationally successful models All three
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Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC has served the region since 1972.
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