Public Health Directions | Winter 2011-2012

Page 1

WINTER 2011-2012

Public Health

DIRECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE: A Message from Richard J. Cohen (2)… Born a Social Worker: Q&A with Wayne Pendleton (3)... Targeted Solutions: Building a Sustainable Organizational Strategic Plan (4)... PHMC’s Goals: Excerpted from the 2011–2013 Strategic Plan (5)... From the Boardroom: Q&A with the Honorable Renée Cardwell Hughes (6)... Save the Date for MOSAIC (7)... Where Creating Careers Meets Workforce Needs (8)... CHDB Report (10)... The Public Health Bracket (12)

PHMC UNVEILS New Strategic Plan

T

hirty-nine years ago, J. Douglas

the Honorable Renée Cardwell Hughes,

so it’s important to look five and 10 years

MacBride joined a small group of

Ana Pujols-McKee, Kenneth Veit and

down the road and integrate viewpoints

public health advocates to form the

Sharon M. Gallagher.

from all stakeholders.” Key young leaders

initial organization that laid the ground-

In a process overseen by Anne Saporito,

joined senior staff to review the organiza-

work for what was launched in 1972 as

senior manager of training and organization-

tion’s existing mission and vision and use

Philadelphia Health Management Corpora-

al development and Jo Surpin, a consultant

them as starting points to identify goals.

tion. In 2010, as board secretary and chair-

from Strategic Health Alliance, more than

“One of the things of great value at PHMC

man of the strategic planning committee

100 PHMC and affiliate staff members from

is that you have a lot of people with a great

for PHMC (now Public Health Management

across the organization joined together in

deal of history that balance the future lead-

Corporation), he guided a group of PHMC

May 2010 for a series of roundtable discus-

ers of the organization,” says Surpin. “It’s very important for us to get everybody’s input.”

RELOOKING AT THE ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN GAVE US AN OPPORTUNITY to do a good analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of our organization.”

Katherine Harvey, director of case management and program standards for PHMC’s Forensic Services, has been working at PHMC close to 10 years. She is one of the young leaders who participated in the strategic planning process.

stakeholders who renewed the organiza-

sions. “Relooking at the organizational plan

Initially Harvey worked as an evaluator

tion’s goals and objectives from the exist-

gave us an opportunity to conduct a good

in the clinical evaluation unit within the

ing strategic plan that dated back to 2005.

analysis of the strengths and weaknesses

Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR) pro-

“I’ve been involved in a number of strate-

of our organization,” says PHMC President

gram, which assesses criminal offenders

gic plans for PHMC and we felt that it was

and CEO Richard J. Cohen. “It was a very

for chemical dependency, refers them to

an appropriate time to revisit and update

inclusive process and I’m pleased with the

community-based providers for residential,

the plan,” says MacBride. Also serving

outcome.”

intensive outpatient and regular outpa-

on the committee were 2010–2011 board

The process deliberately involved young

tient treatment services and provides case

members Denise Christian, Theodore A.

leadership. “PHMC takes succession plan-

management services for FIR program

Christopher, Paul A. Dandridge, George

ning very seriously,” says Saporito. “An

participants. Formerly a substance abuse

E. Downs, Robert Gage, Charles Greene,

organization is only as good as its staff,

continued on page 5

a publication of

PUBLIC HEALTH

management corporation


A MESSAGE from Richard J. Cohen As an innovator in public health management, PHMC always sets its sights ahead to help us more effectively manage the here-and-now while anticipating what is coming.

T

his is how we—and those we

has led us to our most recent affiliation,

PHMC leaders: Chief Operating Officer

serve—can be ready to tackle every

with Metropolitan Career Center, which

Wayne Pendleton, who reveals his 10-year

challenge and opportunity.

we profile in this issue.

vision for the organization, and Board Chair-

So it may seem as though Public Health

Another of our affiliates, Public Health

person the Honorable Renée Cardwell

Directions always should focus on the

Fund (formerly Philadelphia Health Care

Hughes, who tells us that the board’s

future; but then, how would you learn about

Trust), helps secure the future of public

priorities are about laying the foundation

all that our forward thinking has helped us

health innovation by providing funding to in-

for PHMC’s second 40 years.

to accomplish in the months gone by? Even

novative programs. This foundation also has

With that in mind, we ask you to save the

if we cannot do so all the time, in this issue

looked to its own future, developing a stra-

date for our 40th anniversary celebration.

we do indeed look ahead.

tegic plan with the assistance of PHMC’s

Read about what we have in store, both hon-

As the cover story about our new strate-

Targeted Solutions; I urge you to read about

oring those who have built us to what we are

gic plan suggests, readying for PHMC’s fu-

the valuable process that has helped the

today and—with our special guest who is just

ture is not enough. As vanguards, we must

foundation to clarify its direction.

earning her MPH and trailblazing in public

help ensure the viability of public health as

Our four decades have shown us, over and

a whole, and this is one reason we involved

over, that there is always something new to

health globally—very much looking ahead. At this holiday season I wish a future of

our young, emerging leadership in the pro-

explore in public health. One of the great re-

health and happiness to you, our employ-

cess. The PHMC we are creating for five, 10

sources through which PHMC has pioneered

ees, partners and supporters, and to all

or 20 years down the road is their PHMC,

that exploration is our Community Health

those we collectively serve.

and the future vehicles of public health that

Data Base (CHDB), through which we

we help to build are the ones that they must

have fielded the Southeastern Pennsylvania

have the strategic experience to steer.

Community Health Survey over the past 28

This interest in workforce development

years. This issue’s CHDB article focuses

goes beyond the public health profession.

on one of the new question areas from our

As we’ve long held at PHMC, strength in

2010 survey: substance abuse recovery and

workforce and strength in the public’s

the attitudes about recovery and treatment.

Richard J. Cohen, PhD, FACHE

health go hand in hand. This philosophy

You’ll also read Q&As with two key

President and CEO of PHMC

Yours in public health,

All of us at PHMC wish you and your family a safe, warm holiday season and a healthy year ahead. Since these are comforts not everyone enjoys, celebrate with the gift of public health to those who need it the most. Add PHMC tribute donations to your gift-giving list. Go to PHMC.ORG/DONATE.

page 2 PHMC.ORG


Born a Social Worker: Q&A with PHMC COO Wayne Pendleton

W

ayne Pendleton may be in executive management, but don’t let the

Click here for more Q&A with Wayne Pendleton.

title fool you—he’s always doing

social work. “I just happen to be doing it not sitting across a table from a client or a family,” Pendleton says, “but doing it on behalf of empowering and supporting and emboldening an organization. So I’m just providing it, in essence, on a larger, macro level.” Pendleton’s roots as a social worker run deep. He learned a nascent form of the craft

Q A

What were the formative things

past five years. There’s been tremen-

that shaped your worldview and

dous growth and diversification within

led you toward a career in health

this organization and there’s a strong

management?

desire, coming from Richard and the

It’s been somewhat of a long road. I’ll

board, and staff as well, to continue

start by saying as the third oldest in a

to grow. It was time for Richard—and

family of nine I probably started my so-

he made this decision himself—to cre-

as the third child in a family of nine, master-

cial work career by being in that position

ate, recruit and hire for a position, and

ing the intricacies of conflict resolution al-

in my family. Lots of people around me.

a person, that can support that growth

most as second nature. Eventually he chan-

And when you grow up in a large family

and support the infrastructure that is

neled those early lessons into a master of

you gain skills in observation, influence

needed to make that growth success-

social work degree from Temple University

and negotiation….I think that growing

ful. [I want] to make sure that the or-

and a successful career as a licensed social

up in that size of a family and being in

ganizational culture is aligned with the

worker in the Philadelphia area.

that position in the family got me inter-

mission and the growth imperative. Just

ested in people.

to tighten the bolts a little bit.

Pendleton moved into healthcare management with stints at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, at a PACE program sponsored by Penn Nursing and at South Jersey Healthcare. As announced in our summer issue, in July 2011 PHMC hired Pendleton to serve as its new Chief Operating Officer. Pendleton also is PHMC’s first Chief

Q A

Do you ever find yourself as an executive referencing the time you spent studying and working in the field, in order to better relate to people? Oh yeah. I always do. I always lead off with what I just led off with, that I’m the third of nine and I’m a trained social worker. But

Q A

I think it’s fair to ask you this question since you’re COO: Where do you see PHMC in 10 years? And you can take that question any way you want it to go. A month in, you’re going to ask me that question? [laughter] PHMC is well on its way and is well recognized as a public

Operating Officer, a position developed

then fairly quickly I move to wherever the

health institute, but I see PHMC as the lead-

by CEO Richard J. Cohen to help support

discussion is, bringing the social work

ing public health institute in the country in

growth and manage organizational culture.

background back to what I’m doing now

10 years—the absolute gold standard.

A warm man with a composed air that

so that people understand they’re not

belies his coiled frame (he played football

relating to a professional social worker;

at University of Pittsburgh), Pendleton

they’re relating to a healthcare senior

comes from what he describes as a “long

manager who happens to have a social

line of helping professionals”: ministers,

work background.

nurses, teachers. And now Pendleton, some combination of the three. Pendleton says he looks forward to the challenge of bringing PHMC to “premier status nationally.” Public Health Directions sat down with Pendleton, one month into his new role, to get his perspective on the position and the experiences he brings with him.

Q A

Q A

On a personal level, how have people welcomed you here? The people have been great. In an established organization with staff, many of whom have been here for a long time,

Shifting gears a little bit—and this

and in the context of an evolving reorga-

is a pretty broad question—but

nization where there is some degree of

why do you think PHMC created this

uncertainty, someone coming in at my

COO position?

level in a new position could have been

A couple of reasons. I think [CEO] Rich-

feared and perceived other than I’ve

ard [Cohen] clearly understands that

been perceived and welcomed…. Yeah, I

PHMC has grown dramatically in the

made the right decision.

Public Health DIRECTIONS WINTER 2011-2012 page 3


Targeted Solutions™

Building a Sustainable Organizational Strategic Plan Philadelphia Health Care Trust (now Public Health Fund) has fostered health care delivery, research and education in the greater Delaware Valley region since 1996. When it joined PHMC as an affiliate on July 1, 2010, its newly formed, six-person board decided that one of its priorities was to develop a new organizational strategic plan for the foundation.

W

hen absorbing an organization,

says Pearson. Additionally, through a

you can’t run rudderless. It’s

SWOT analysis that assessed the founda-

important to establish a mission

tion’s strengths, weakness, opportunities

statement and a vision,” says Michael K.

and threats, Targeted Solutions helped to

Pearson, treasurer for Public Health

pinpoint future steps the organization can

Fund’s board of directors. “Plus, Targeted

take to ensure sustainability within the

Solutions™ has experience in the health-

region. “It’s important to have succinct

related areas.” Targeted Solutions has

language that accurately describes where

been helping organizations establish solid

the organization is headed,” says Pearson.

strategic plans for the last 18 years. A

“Targeted Solutions took our feedback and

strategic plan helps an organization set

codified it into distinct bits of data.” In the

priorities, realistic goals and objectives

course of six months, Targeted Solutions

consistent with its mission while helping

completed the strategic plan, identified a

to establish realistic timelines consistent

grant-making framework and refined the

with the organization’s capacity.

vision and mission of the organization.

Targeted Solutions consultants used

Says Pearson, “By using Targeted Solu-

the framework of the foundation’s mission

tions, we’ve achieved a strategic plan as

and vision as the basis for interviews with

economically responsibly as possible with-

board members and other stakeholders.

out compromising the quality of the work.”

“It’s very important to have an entity like Targeted Solutions interview key individuals in our region from different walks of life. It let us know how we can best impact health through innovative funding,”

“ W orking with Targeted Solutions GOT US TO CLARIFY WHAT WE WERE ALL AFTER.”

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 communications 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.


Strategic Plan... continued from page 1 counselor with a background in social

what she learned during the strategic plan-

maximize those synergies,” says Surpin.

work, Harvey quickly embraced the work

ning process to share organizational infor-

“It’s important to pause and see whether

of the organization. “I appreciated the di-

mation with her staff. “As a leader, I ask

what you’re doing makes sense.”

versity of the programming at PHMC and I

myself what I can do in my day-to-day tasks

The new strategic plan, which was ap-

knew I wanted to stay,” she says.

to empower and train my supervisors,” she

proved by the board in December 2010 to

Harvey moved on to senior evaluator and

says. “The plan encourages us to constantly

cover the three-year period from January

then to evaluation supervisor before tak-

communicate key organizational develop-

2011 through December 2013, lists 27

ing her current position. During her time at

ments with staff.”

objectives under six overarching goals. “If

PHMC, she also completed her master de-

As the process unfolded, the group iden-

you look back over our plans in the last 25

gree in social work at Widener University,

tified and developed six key goals for the

years, the new one hasn’t diverged much,”

encouraged by supportive mentors in senior

organization: public health issues, service

says MacBride. “We have some basic val-

management. She appreciated the opportu-

to community, quality of service, infrastruc-

ues that have always been in place, but we

nity to directly contribute to the strategic

ture, financial viability and growth and orga-

were able to clarify our position and set our

planning sessions. “I was ecstatic about be-

nizational vitality. “It’s unusual to have

direction with very clear goals.”

ing involved in the process,” says Harvey.

a corporation like PHMC that has direct

Says Harvey, “The new strategic plan

“It gave me a voice. It gave me a chance to

service, advocacy and many other various

makes me feel proud to work at PHMC. I

give input on an intimate level.” She used

components. Re-strategizing allows you to

really feel invested.”

11–2013 Strategic Plan PHMC's Goals: Excerpted from the 20 Public Health Issues nse Lead in the identification of and respo s. issue h healt c publi

Infrastructure

to existing and emerging

nal and operational infrastrucCreate and maintain the organizatio ces and growth. ture needed to support programs, servi

Financial Viability and Growth

Service to Community

through existing and new proPromote financial viability and growth grams, services and affiliations.

rams and services that are best Initiate, expand and maintain prog and communities we serve, alaligned with the needs of the people those hardest to reach. ways inclusive of the underserved and

Organizational Viability

ibutions with career pathways Support and recognize staff contr e leadership and governance across the enterprise. Ensure futur and promote a positive public through succession planning. Ensure n. image and reputation for the organizatio

Quality of Service

s the quality, safety and effecIdentify and implement metr ics to asses ded, to ensure accountability. tiveness of programs and services provi

Board News

We appreciate these members who have

Gallagher and Patrick J. Eiding, executive

PHMC welcomes to its board of directors

assumed new roles on the board in the

committee members.

Joseph M. DiMino, director of health and med-

2011-2012 term: The Honorable Renée

ical director of the Montgomery County Health

Cardwell Hughes, Chairperson; Denise

PHMC sincerely thanks departing board

Department; Autumn A. Graves, president of

Christian, MD, Vice Chairperson; Michael

members Paul A. Dandridge, former chair-

Girard College; and Michele Volpe, executive

K. Pearson, Treasurer; Stephen P. Fera,

person, and Ana Pujols-McKee, former vice

director of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Secretary; Robert W. Gage, Sharon M.

chairperson, for their years of service.

Public Health DIRECTIONS WINTER 2011-2012 page 5


From the Boardroom: Q&A with the Honorable Renée Cardwell Hughes The Honorable Renée Cardwell Hughes has served on the PHMC board of directors for the past four years and was elected board chair in June 2011. She also serves on the board of PHMC affiliate Joseph J. Peters Institute (JJPI), and was board president for the last two years. In May 2011, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross named Hughes to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Previously a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge for 16 years, Hughes conducted both civil and criminal proceedings but developed a reputation for deftly handling a number of high-profile murder cases. Public Health Directions asked Hughes about her passion for serving the Philadelphia community and what she has gleaned from the experience.

Three things Hughes says every board member needs to successfully serve an organization:

Q A

Who inspires you to

who required mental health services.

give back to the community?

I was on the board of JJPI at the time

My parents definitely inspire me to give

when PHMC sought to affiliate with it,

back. As the oldest of five children, my

so I learned more about the corpo-

parents always took the position that I

rate structure and how PHMC benefits

was responsible for my younger brothers

smaller nonprofits. Then I met Richard

1. Commitment. Be committed to learn-

and sister. It was important to my parents

Cohen, a force of nature with a pas-

ing the business of the organization

that we were all independent and self-

sion for public health and a belief that

and attending board meetings. Addi-

reliant. I am also of the age where the

PHMC can improve the health of fami-

tionally, you have to be committed to

civil rights movement was very important

lies in the region. When he asked me

the work of the organization and com-

to me. From that period, I learned that “of

to join PHMC’s board, I accepted.

mitted to using your influence and re-

those to whom much is given, much is

sources in the community to benefit the

required.” I have had the opportunity to

organization.

attend some great universities and work at some of the most amazing places. I feel I have a responsibility to share those ex-

2. C ritical thinking. A board member

periences and to give back.

who always says “yes” to everything is not a good board member. You have a

biggest challenges facing nonprofits? During these challenging times, nonprofits have an obligation to be as efficient and effective as possible. For donors to give, nonprofits need to examine

Who and what convinced you to join

the use of every dollar; that is what really

PHMC’s board?

drives the economy. That is what PHMC

I became a judge in December of

is good at—showing it is viable. It is a

1995 and within the first ninety days

challenge to convince people that out

it became apparent that some people

of all the nonprofits to support and to

the work. You have to bring enthusiasm

[coming through the court system]

partner with, they should choose PHMC,

and excitement to the board. The board

required drug and alcohol treatment

but PHMC is good at showing people that

members serve as emissaries to the

and job skills. That was when I was

they can maximize their dollar with us.

community. You have to understand

introduced to PHMC and its work with

It’s American to give, but Americans will

that and be passionate about the work

the courts with drug and alcohol treat-

only give their dollars to those organi-

that it does.

ment. Later, I joined the board of JJPI,

zations that are effective. PHMC is abso-

which also provided services to people

lutely mindful of that fact.

responsibility to ensure that the board is making a good decision and moving the organization forward. 3. P assion. You must have passion for

Q A

Q A

What, in your opinion, are some of the

page 6 PHMC.ORG


Q A

As a former judge and currently the

some of the most intractable problems in

does not just provide services, but we use

CEO of the Southeastern Pennsylvania

our community. That belief was directly

our creativity and financial strength to aid

Chapter of the American Red Cross,

relevant to my work as a judge and contin-

other organizations. PHMC leverages re-

what qualities do you believe you

ues to be relevant to my work at the Red

sources to make the community stronger.

bring to PHMC?

Cross. I have dedicated my life to liberty,

I am driven and determined to improve

justice and opportunities available to ev-

quality of life in this region, specifically the

eryone. PHMC has that same kind of pas-

health of all citizens regardless of income.

sion and commitment. PHMC does not ask

I really believe Philadelphia is a phenom-

who you are, what you do or why you do it.

enal place to live. I do not believe that

It serves. It seeks to provide greater servic-

“no” is an appropriate answer to problems.

es. PHMC also serves as a thought leader.

organization and the leadership oppor-

PHMC is committed to finding solutions to

Not enough people understand that PHMC

tunity within the organization. We want

Q A

What are some of your current initiatives with the PHMC board? PHMC is a huge nonprofit corporation that specializes in people. The big initiative right now is restructuring the

to ensure there exists an opportunity for

I do not believe that ‘no’ is an appropriate answer to problems. PHMC IS COMMITTED TO FINDING SOLUTIONS TO SOME OF THE MOST INTRACTABLE

people in PHMC to enhance their leadership skills. We’re laying the foundation to ensure that PHMC will be here another 40 years. We also recognize the challenges that the region faces in terms of job development. In the arsenal of services we provide, we focus on workforce

PROBLEMS IN OUR COMMUNITY .”

development and leadership opportunities that will secure the future of PHMC.

SAVE THE DATE  PHMC Celebrates 40 Years of Public Health Innovation

WHEN: Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 6:30–9:30 p.m.  |  Sponsor reception at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building

Click here to learn more about MOSAIC

Join our staff, clients, board members and stakeholders for a commemoration of 40 years of service to the region as a public health leader and innovator with a MOSAIC of programs and services that create and sustain healthier communities. Highlights include:   C hristy Turlington Burns, filmmaker, global maternal health advocate, master of public health student and model, speaking on her public health perspective through the lens of her organization Every Mother Counts   Special tribute honoring longtime PHMC senior staff and board members

Public Health DIRECTIONS WINTER 2011-2012 page 7


Where Creating Careers Meets Workforce Needs

T

he Metropolitan

Center

they opened what was then Metropolitan

With that past growth in mind and future

(MCC) began as most great nonprof-

Career

Collegiate Center as a grassroots solution

goals for expansion in sight, MCC took the

its do, with a simple observation and

to shifts in the educational landscape.

next step in its evolution this summer by

a simple idea.

More than 40 years later, MCC has grown

joining the PHMC family of affiliates.

In the early 1970s, community lead-

into a comprehensive work readiness agen-

“We need to grow the tent even larger,”

ers in Philadelphia’s Germantown neigh-

cy serving the entire Philadelphia region.

Hahn says. “We need more people to know

borhood were concerned about the large

Today, MCC’s service profile includes a one-

that we’re here [and] we need to establish

number of young high school graduates

month readiness and placement program,

relationships with other organizations.”

who were out of work because they lacked

intensive vocational training and an accred-

Rachel Kirzner, director of social ser-

the resources needed in an increasingly

ited postsecondary vocational school called

vices with PHMC’s Specialized Health

competitive job market. A diploma wasn’t

Computer Technology Institute (CTI).

Services and one of the PHMC employees

enough anymore to earn the stability and

shepherding MCC into the affiliate net-

benefits of a white-collar job.

work, also sees potential for relationship

Or as current MCC Executive Director

building in MCC’s transition.

Linda Hahn puts it, “Some young people

“One of our biggest areas of focus is to

in the neighborhood didn’t seem to have

find connections within PHMC that can

access to the tools and resources to get

benefit from MCC training and services,”

higher education.”

says Kirzner.

Enter the idea.

The transition team predicts a strong fu-

Members of the United Methodist Church

ture bond between MCC and the Maximiz-

of Germantown—seeing need at their door-

ing Participation Project (MPP), PHMC’s

step—began to generate momentum for a

chief welfare-to-work program. The con-

local college prep academy, and in 1974

nection is clear: MPP’s clients need work

Notables

Honors, Awards and Achievements

Inquirer in its story, “Penn State Case Spotlights

On October 13, PHMC affiliate Interim

Numerous media outlets sought the expertise of

Molestation Nationally.” Glackman and Haworth

House celebrated 40 years of empowering

PHMC affiliate Joseph J. Peters Institute (JJPI)

also appeared on the November 15 Radio Times

women in recovery from substance abuse.

in response to the Penn State sexual abuse al-

on WHYY. Host Marty Moss-Coane interviewed

In a celebration that included Lisa Nutter,

legations. On November 10, Fox29 featured

them for the show “What We Can Learn about

First Lady of the City of Philadelphia, as a

Michael J. Stinson, director of prevention ser-

Child Sexual Abuse from the Penn State Case.”

presenter, Interim House recognized its cli-

vices at JJPI, on a segment titled “How to Talk to

These experts continued to provide insights in

ents and partners. Interim House awarded

Your Children about Abuse.” On November 11,

response to further media requests. JJPI is a

Kristin Gavin, founder of the local nonprofit

the Philadelphia Daily News featured “Molesters

nonprofit mental health agency providing out-

Gearing Up, with its first-ever Community

and How to Stop Them: Learning the Lessons of

patient assessment and treatment services in the

Partner Award. Gearing Up uses bike riding

Penn State Scandal,” an interview with Thomas F.

area of sexual abuse. JJPI’s mission is to reduce

as a means to empower women during peri-

Haworth, director of child and adolescent ser-

the causes and overall results of sexually abusive

ods of difficult transition. Interim House also

vices at JJPI. Haworth and Theodore Glackman,

behaviors through research, training, prevention

presented alumna Toni Montier with its 2011

executive director of JJPI, were featured in

and treatment. JJPI evaluates and treats survivors

Distinguished Alumna Award.

the November 11 edition of the Philadelphia

of sexual abuse as well as offenders.

page 8 PHMC.ORG


and MCC’s advanced occupational training already serves just such a population. “MCC is a complementary piece to what MPP already does,” Kirzner says. Hahn, executive director at MCC for the

In order to leverage that expertise,

touch after they leave school.

PHMC will create separate brands for MCC

Hahn says that familial vibe permeates

and CTI, the center’s highly respected vo-

the entire organization, and shows up most

cational school, to ensure each maximizes

prominently in the relationships built be-

recognition within its niche.

tween her staff and their clients.

last two-and-a-half years, also sees MCC

Last year, CTI enrolled 245 students. Fi-

“When somebody here gets a job, bells

as a vital addition to the PHMC network.

nancial aid was made available to qualified

ring, people dance in the halls,” Hahn says.

“If PHMC has to do with the eradication

students. Over the decade of its existence,

“Some of our students became the first in

of poverty, then that’s our middle name,”

the school has established itself as one of

generations of their families to get a good

Hahn says. “And I think they believe as

the only successful, postsecondary, non-

job with career growth potential—that ac-

we do that every piece of the picture is

profit schools in the region.

tually has benefits!”

important.”

“[CTI] is an accredited school, it’s a

For Hahn and her staff the stakes

Hahn points with pride to MCC’s past

very strong school…it really lends itself

are high, and understanding this makes

successes in workforce development and

to its own brand identity,” says Anne

them better advocates. “It’s very dra-

emphasizes the importance of job train-

Saporito, PHMC’s senior training man-

matic, and our people know that. That’s

ing in creating economic opportunity. “We

ager and the staff member overseeing the

why they’re here.”

can’t build a city, we can’t bring business

affiliate’s integration.

Through name change and mission

[and] we can’t improve quality of life in

Hahn agrees. “[CTI] is a real gem…

change, it seems some part of that grass-

Philadelphia until all Philadelphians are

it’s not easy to get a school accredited and

roots operation in Germantown never

trained to work.”

approved.”

left MCC. In attitude and outlook, the

To her, all of that theory references one

CTI’s director, Amy Miller, says the

center maintains its individualized tenor

clear fact: “Work is a basic part of being

school’s success draws from its commu-

along with a steadfast belief that those

a human being.” And in her eyes, no one

nal atmosphere. “We’re so family-oriented

lacking resources simply need someone

knows that better than the folks at MCC.

here… [The students] know this is a safe

willing to help.

“We are experts and specialists in this

place for them to come.” Miller estimates

field,” Hahn says.

that at least 90% of CTI graduates stay in

As Hahn puts it, “We’re not profit driven, we’re people driven.”

On December 1, World AIDS Day, the University

Grants

67 community healthcenter programs across

of Pennsylvania Center for AIDS Research Com-

On August 31, North Penn Community Health

the nation, including one that will develop a

munity Advisory Board recognized PHMC senior

Foundation awarded a $95,000 grant to PHMC’s

new health center in north central Philadel-

researcher Lisa Bond at its seventh annual Red

Specialized Health Services to fund the

phia through a partnership between Public

Ribbon Event. The event commemorated and

Housing First Pilot Project. The project provides

Health Management and Congreso de Latinos

highlighted the work and achievements of re-

financial assistance and housing stabilization

Unidos (Congreso). Through this new venture,

searchers and everyday heroes in the fight to

services to homeless and near-homeless families

PHMC and Congreso will work together to ad-

combat the impact of HIV/AIDS. Bond was joined

and individuals who are residents of county-

dress healthcare access barriers faced by low-

at the event by fellow PHMC employee Tiffany

funded emergency or transitional housing

income residents of the area surrounding the

Bacon, project specialist for Sisters Informing

facilities in Montgomery County. The grant took

new health center, opening in December 2011

Healing Living Empowering (SIHLE), a program

effect October 2011.

at 216 West Somerset Street in the 19133 zip

that uses peer-led group sessions to reduce HIV

code of Philadelphia.

sexual risk behaviors among sexually active Afri-

During National Health Center Week, August

can-American girls ages 14 to 18. Bacon served as

7-13, the US Department of Health and Human

mistress of ceremonies at the Red Ribbon Event.

Services announced $28.8 million in grants to

Public Health DIRECTIONS WINTER 2011-2012 page 9


Figure 1. Adults Who Once Had an Alcohol or Drug Problem by County, SEPA, 2010 50%

F

40%

30%

20%

10% 9%

11.4% 8.2%

7.5%

8.2%

Figure 2. Adults Who Know Someone Outside Immediate Family in Recovery for Alcohol or Drugs, by Gender and Poverty, SEPA, 2010 50%

40%

29.7%

29.1%

30.1%

28.1%

or the first time in its 28-year his-

than older (60+) or younger individuals

tory, the 2010 Southeastern Penn-

(18–49). About 9% of individuals ages

sylvania (SEPA) Household Health

18 to 49 are in recovery compared with

Survey, managed by Public Health Man-

11.2% of people ages 50 to 59, 7.4% of

agement Corporation’s Community Health

people ages 60 to 74 and 4% of people age

Data Base (CHDB), asked questions about

75 and older.

recovery and attitudes about recovery and treatment. According to the Centers for

6.7%

0% All Bucks Chester Delaware Mont- Phila gomery delphia

30%

CHDB Examines Substance Abuse and Recovery in Southeastern Pennsylvania

29.9%

Disease Control and Prevention, drug and alcohol addiction are linked to short- and long-term health risks, including cancer,

24.1% of adults without a high school education are in recovery, compared with 3.8% of adults with a college degree

risky sexual behavior and mental health problems.* In 2009, 8.9% of Americans aged 12 years or older had a drug or al-

Recovery varies among levels of edu-

cohol abuse problem, translating to about

cation, income and race. About 24.1% of

22.5 million people.** CHDB researchers

adults without a high school education

examined new data on substance use re-

are in recovery, as well as 11.7% of high

covery among adults 18 years of age and

school graduates and 3.8 % of adults

older in the region.

with a college degree or post-college edu-

20%

cation. Additionally, adults below 200%

10%

0%

All

Men Women Poor Nonpoor

269,000 adults living in

of the poverty line are more likely to be

SEPA are in recovery from alcohol or substance abuse

above 200% of the poverty line (15.9%

in recovery compared with adults living compared with 6.6%). African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be

Figure 3. Adults Who Know Someone Outside Immediate Family in Recovery for Alcohol or Drugs, by Race/Ethnicity, SEPA, 2010 50%

Demographics and Socioeconomic Characteristics of Recovery in SEPA

(13.2% and 12.8% compared with 7.7% and 4.1%, respectively).

Nine percent of adults living in SEPA

40%

30%

in recovery than white or Asian adults

29.7%

31.3%

African Americans and Latinos

ing that they at one point had an active

are more likely to be in recovery than white or Asian adults

substance abuse problem that currently is

28.2% 23.7%

20%

indicate that they are in recovery, mean-

not active. This represents about 269,000 adults. Men are more likely to be in re-

10%

0%

All

White Black Hispanic

covery than are women (12.7% compared

Philadelphia has the highest percentage

with 5.8%, respectively). People ages 50

of adults in recovery in SEPA. More than

to 59 are more likely to be in recovery

one in 10 Philadelphia adults (11.4%) is in

*CDC. “Alcohol-attributable deaths and years of potential life lost—United States, 2001.” Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 2004;53(37):866–870. ** Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2010). Results from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Volume I. Summary of National Findings (Office of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series H-38A, HHS Publication No. SMA 10-4586 Findings). Rockville, MD.

page 10 PHMC.ORG


Figure 4. Belief that People with Severe Alcohol or Drug Problems Can Fully Recover, by Recovery Status, SEPA, 2010 100%

recovery, representing about 130,000 peo-

treatment for an alcohol or drug problem

ple. The percentage of adults in recovery is

in 2009, only 2.6 million people received

fairly stable across the suburban counties;

treatment.** In SEPA, about 16% of adults

8.2% of adults in both Chester and Dela-

know a household or family member in

ware Counties are in recovery, as well as

recovery for an alcohol or drug problem.

7.5% of Bucks County adults and 6.7% of

Additionally, 30% know someone outside

adults in Montgomery County.

of their immediate family in recovery for alcohol or other drugs.

Recovery and Health Adults with drug or alcohol problems may be at risk for other health problems. The 2010 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey data show that adults

80%

40%

20%

believe that people with severe alcohol or other drug problems can fully recover

in recovery may face some of these same

79.2%

60%

0%

80% of adults living in SEPA

89.1% 80.2%

All

In Recovery Not in Recovery

Figure 5. Belief that Quality of Addiction Treatment in Community Is Very Good, by Recovery Status, SEPA, 2010 100%

health risks. Nearly one-third of adults in recovery (30.9%) are in fair or poor

According to the National Alcohol and

health, representing about 83,000 adults

Drug Addiction Recovery Month Com-

in SEPA who may have additional health-

munity, support and quality of support

care needs. Among adults in recovery, one-

remain essential components of suc-

third (33.1%) have a physical, mental or

cessful recovery. Over 80% of adults

emotional disability or condition lasting six

living in SEPA believe that people with

months or more. In addition, 38% of people

severe alcohol or other drug problems

who are in recovery also report having a di-

can fully recover. While 86.4% of people

agnosed mental health condition. Over half

living in SEPA believe that communities

(51.8%) of adults who are in recovery are

should support professional treatment,

current smokers.

only about half (47.4%) say that addic-

80%

60%

40%

47.5%

52.4% 39.6%

20%

0%

All

In Recovery Not in Recovery

tion treatment in their community is very

One-third of adults in

good. People living in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties are more likely to

The Community Health Data Base (CHDB) South-

recovery have a physical, mental or emotional disability or condition

believe that addiction treatment is very

eastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey is

good in their communities (50%) com-

one of the largest regional health surveys in the

pared with 45% in Philadelphia and Dela-

nation, covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Mont-

ware counties.

gomery and Philadelphia Counties, and now

Recovery and Treatment Since alcohol and drug addiction may negatively influence mental and physical health status, treatment and recovery are critical. While 23.5 million adults in the US needed

Schuylkill, Lancaster, Berks and Centre Counties. It

For more information on recovery in Southeastern Pennsylvania, contact Rose Malinowski Weingartner at rosemw@phmc.org.

has been conducted every two years since 1994. The Pew Charitable Trusts, the William Penn Foundation, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and over 350 local agencies from the health, government, nonprofit and academic sectors help to support CHDB. For more information on CHDB, visit chdbdata.org.

Public Health DIRECTIONS WINTER 2011-2012 page 11


WINTER 2011-2012

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 you would like to update your email address, please contact us at communications@phmc.org or call 267.773.4346.

The Public Health Bracket With Public Health Directions now appearing in electronic format only, we want to offer you an opportunity to click on a link to become a part of the publication’s voice. With each issue—and in our social media between issues—we will list several areas of public health and ask you to select the one you believe will be the most critical in shaping the coming 10 years. In the following issue, we will let you know how our readers have voted and offer you a new set of options on which to vote. As we narrow down your choices, we will pit the top ones against each other—and thus, the Public Health Bracket is born. We’re starting with two areas that we cover in this issue and one that recognizes World AIDS Day on December 1:   Workforce and leadership development   Substance abuse and recovery

Click here to play!

HIV and AIDS

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.

For more information, call us at 215.985.2500 or visit PHMC.ORG 260 South Broad Street | Philadelphia, PA 19102 | 215.985.2500 PHONE | 215.985.2550 FAX

PHMC is a United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Community Partner | Donor Code: 2050 PHMC provee servicios bilingues para nuestros clients sin costo alguno. © 2011 Public Health Management Corporation

PHMC-00971-11


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.