Dear Colleagues,

PCAN is embarking on a multifaceted evaluation process that will help us explain the impact of PCAN to County Government, community and business stakeholders, and potential funders. A Work Group is narrowing down the options presented in August by David Rogoff, an expert in ROCI (Return on Community Investment). The Work Group is considering economic impact, Emergency Department impact, value of donated care, volunteer hours, leveraged fund and services, ROCI on County dollars, health status of patients with medical homes, patient quality of life/self-sufficiency (employment, productivity, absenteeism, etc.) - but this list is not set in stone. Karen van Caulil is chairing the Committee.

Representatives of the UCF School of Social Work attended the September Board meeting. Dr. Mary Ann Burg and Shelley Hall said they have 250 Masters-level students who are willing and able to do 20-hour-per-week internships at various clinical locations in Central Florida - including at PCAN member organizations. Students are also available for grant writing and topics for their dissertations. The new intern cycle begins next summer but there may be opportunity now. If you are interested, you can contact Dr. Burg at m.burg@ucf.edu.

USF/PCAN were again awarded federal funding for Enrollment Navigators. Open Enrollment for Federal Marketplace insurance plans runs November 15 through February 15 of next year.

I'm sure you all know that Dr. Kevin Sherin has left the Department of Health to take a position in Sacramento, CA. We bade him farewell at the September PCAN Meeting, and will miss his energy and enthusiasm for all things health. In addition, Barb Snell will leave her CEO position at CHC in late October. We wish her the best as she enjoys retirement.

Here's to a happy Fall season!

Best regards,

Maureen Kersmarki

PCAN Board Chair

Interim Administrator Appointed to 

DOH-Orange 

by Dain Weister, Public Information Officer

The Florida Department of Health announces Ross Dickinson as the new Interim Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange). Mr. Dickinson makes his return to the Orange County after a five year retirement and serving since last December as the Interim Administrator for DOH-Lake. Prior to retiring, he was the Assistant Director for DOH-Orange under the direction of Dr. Kevin Sherin. 

"Ross was a visionary leader while working for DOH-Orange," said Dr. Kevin Sherin.  "I am confident Ross will continue to provide outstanding public service and have great success in this position now that I have a new appointment."

Mr. Dickinson will fill the Director position Dr. Sherin is departing.  Dr. Sherin was recenlty appointed as the Deputy Director of the Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion for the California Department of Public Health. Mr. Dickinson will start in his new interim role on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 while a national search is conducted for a new Director. 

Behavioral Needs Assessment Summary

by Therry Feroldi, Health Council of East Central Florida

The Health Council of East Central Florida, Inc. analyzed comprehensive demographic data from over 20,000 unduplicated CFCHS clients. Data were examined by county, by program, by units and cost center for the time period of July 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.  The Health Council also surveyed CFCHS providers and clients to determine barriers to behavioral health care.

The analysis of CFCHS unduplicated client data revealed the following when compared to the general population:

• The population currently served by CFCHS were younger; more racially and ethnically diverse.
• The CFCHS client population was disproportionately male.
• Clients were economically challenged when compared to the general service-area population.
• The rate of adult clients in the mental health and/or substance abuse programs who were single was almost double the rate in the general population.
• The majority of CFCHS clients were stably housed with the exception of Orange County clients in the adult mental health program who had higher rates of homelessness.
• Responses from consumer surveys indicated that 50.6 percent of clients used Medicaid or Medicare as payment sources for treatment.
• Almost thirty percent of clients reported being self-pay/no pay.
• Over one third of the clients surveyed reported relying on sources of transportation other than their personal vehicle. 
• Consumers and providers identified 'Cost' and 'Transportation' as two of the top three barriers to care. 

Community Health Centers (CHC) received a $50,000 Lee Jeans Grant through the American Cancer Society for breast cancer screenings, education and outreach.  The goal of the grant is to increase breast cancer screening rates through patient directed interventions, provider directed interventions and screening resources in Central Florida.  CHC's Early Detection of Breast Cancer for Underserved Women program's maximum reach is 6,912 women between the ages of 50-74.

Strengthening Behavioral Healthcare services in Central Florida

Aspire Health Partners 

Upcoming Awareness Event 

by Robbi Sukanek,  LMHC

Community Relations Manager