|
|
|
|
|
Register Now...
Health Authority, Wayne State, sponsor national safety net conference
The Health Authority and the Wayne State University School of Medicine will cosponsor, "Weaving a Seamless Fabric of Services for the Uninsured," a national forum for health authorities, health coalitions, and other health professionals dedicated to the health care safety net on May 14-15, at the WSU Scott Hall. Topics will include Health Care Disparities, Chronic Disease Management, National Health Policy Update, Hospital-Safety Net Relations, and Behavioral Health, among others.
The conference will provide a unique collegial environment for sharing best practices, discussing clinical and administrative issues, and gaining insight into the implications of dynamic changes in national health policy as they pertain to the health care safety net.
"Health care safety net organizations throughout the country are feeling the pressure of meeting the needs of the increasing numbers of uninsured and underinsured. While we anticipate improvements as a result of the federal stimulus payments and improvements in our health policy, the challenge safety net organizations will still face unprecedented pressure," said Chris Allen, CEO of the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority. "We designed this conference to provide a way for safety net providers to learn from each other and to develop collegial relationships that will allow us to better advocate on behalf of our needs."
"Our sponsorship of this conference is reflective of the School of Medicine's tradition of commitment to the health needs of urban Detroit," explained Robert Frank, Executive Vice Dean, Wayne State University School of Medicine. "This will be a valuable learning environment for administrative and medical leaders of safety net organizations."
The conference has been planned and implemented in accordance with the essential areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for continuing Education (ACCME), through the joint sponsorship of Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority. The WSU School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Registration for the two-day conference, including a dinner presentation and other meals, is $400. To register, go to www.med.wayne.edu/cme or call 313-577-1160.
|
|
Community program helps parents choose the 'Healthy Path' for their children
The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority, together with community organizations, has begun a visual approach to helping people understand the health care system and the importance of taking the right path to promoting health and wellness for children.
Community groups learn about the health system and insurance programs through a board game-like experience, focused on a large illustrated "Healthy Path." The illustration, designed with input from community residents, visualizes the right and wrong paths to take.
"Many people find it difficult getting their child going on the healthy path," notes Jocylyn Pettway, Director of Primary Care Initiatives. "An important source of support is the Department of Human Services. Many people have fears and anxieties about going to their DHS office. This program educates and counsels people in a fun environment."
"There's no reason why a child should be uninsured and not in a medical home," Pettway says. "'Healthy Path' is a good way to make this happen." "Healthy Path was developed by Root Learning, Inc., is innovative in that it's interactive, doesn't involve a textbook or wordy presentation, focuses entirely on illustrative game techniques and group dynamics to promote learning. Typically, small groups - seven to 10 people - use the map in the context of a question-and-answer dialogue and interactive exercises.
For more information contact Joslyn Pettway at 313-871-3751. |
|
Michigan Chronicle names Anthony King to 2009 'Men of Excellence'
Anthony King, CEO of The Wellness Plan, will receive a "Men of Excellence" award from the Michigan Chronicle on Friday, May 15. The "Men of Excellence" awards celebrate local African-American men who motivate and inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. King, who serves on the Health Authority's Primary Care Network Council, was recognized for his success in business and serving the community.
|
|
Rose Khalifa addresses Qatar nurses during International Nurses Week
Rose Khalifa, executive director of Metro Solutions, a Detroit-based non-profit organization, member of the Health Authority's Community Advisory Committee and Co-Chair of the 2009 Walk for the Uninsured Leadership Committee, will be the featured speaker at two events sponsored by the University of Calgary-Qatar during their celebration of International Nurses Week 2009. At UC-Qatar's Doha campus, Khalifa will address student nurses in the morning and a larger audience of nurses, healthcare professionals, students, faculty and community members in the afternoon. She was honored in 2008 by UC-Qatar during International Nurses Week in a tribute to nurses who have made extraordinary contributions and who have distinguished themselves and their profession.
In addition to her role with Metro Solutions, which distributes federal, state and local funds to local organizations that require third party involvement in the administration of received public and private funds, Khalifa has been a Clinical Nurse Educator, Transcultural Services, at Oakwood Healthcare System, Dearborn. She holds a BS degree in nursing from Davenport University and associate's degrees in nursing, arts, science and commerce from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn.
Khalifa founded the American Arab Nurses Association in 2002, which expanded its scope nationally in 2006, as a voice, a network and a resource for men and women in their pursuit of employment and advancement within the nursing profession. NAANA focuses primarily on the Arab-American nurse but it is an inclusive nursing organization fostering knowledge of cultural diversity and sensitivity between members and the community in the area of transcultural health care.
|
|
Backgrounder
Despite increasing numbers, political voice of uninsured remains weak
"If the uninsured were a political lobbying group, they'd have more members than AARP." But being uninsured is a personal misfortune, not the national crisis that it is, according to an article published in the Chicago Sun-Times in April. The uninsured "often struggle alone instead of turning their frustration into political action," notes the article. In the last election, only 10 percent of registered voters said they were uninsured.
The grass-roots group, Health Care for America Now, plans to bring as many as 15,000 people to Washington to advocate for health reform. Most of them will be insured, according to campaign director Richard Kirsch. He believes the issue should not be framed as an issue of the uninsured, but an issue for society. Besides, the uninsured have to find work or may not have time or be able to afford a trip to Washington.
You don't have to go to Washington to march on behalf of the uninsured - come to Walk for the Uninsured on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Detroit's Belle Isle and walk with us. Look for details in upcoming newsletters.
|
The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority's mission is to coordinate efforts to meet the health needs of the uninsured and underinsured residents in Detroit and Wayne County by assuring access and improving the health status of all people.
"It's about access...for all."
| |
|
|
|
|
|
