Adaeze Enekwechi

In this article, the authors discuss apply the PRISM framework w/ an equity lens to assess implementation & context, emphasizing the importance of representation, unintended consequences, capacity building, and sustained assessment of equity. 📎 https://lnkd.in/g26pvE_n

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CMS Releases Transforming Maternal Health Model Notice of Funding Opportunity! The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' new Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) model focuses on improving #MaternalHealth care for people enrolled in #Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (#CHIP). It aims to reduce #disparities in access and treatment and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns. Learn more and apply by Sept. 20: https://hubs.li/Q02DD4_h0

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NEW PODCAST! Learn about the Public Health Infrastructure Grant and its impact on public health systems across the U.S. Listen to today’s episode of Investing in Tomorrow to understand why investing in public health saves lives and drives long-term change.

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For posterity: five reports covering the breadth of Public Health Pathways' accomplishments. Free to download, share, and use. 1. Cov360 - Voice of the Future report 2. The Age of Public Health Magazine: Communities Build Trust 3. Pathfinders Program Guidebook 4. Safe Mothers in Low-income Emergency Settings (SMiLES) 5. Closing the Charity - The Story of Public Health Pathways Enjoy.  https://lnkd.in/egPy6dPf

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ICYMI! The CMS Office of Minority Health has released a new resource document of health equity-related data definitions, standards, and stratification practices. CMS’ Resource of Health Equity-related Data Definitions, Standards, and Stratification Practices offers a table of suggested definitions, standards, and stratification practices for 9 health equity-related data elements as well as several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the purpose and usage of the document. It may also clarify differences in results that may arise when different data standards and definitions are used. /https://lnkd.in/etVzCYh4

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The National Health Law Program’s Delivery Systems team champions transparency and accountability in Medicaid, ensuring low-income enrollees can access essential care. With managed care now the primary Medicaid delivery model—serving over 75% of enrollees—our team works to address barriers like narrow networks, prior authorization delays, and wrongful denials. These issues disproportionately impact underserved communities, including people with disabilities and BIPOC and LGBTQI+ individuals. We advocate for policies and protections that make health equity a core program goal, demanding systems that prioritize people over profits. #Medicaid #HealthEquity #AccessToCare https://lnkd.in/ekmU-Vtt

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CLEAR PCA, in collaboration with host organization CERP, has been making strides in enhancing Health Care Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Punjab. 🔗 Read more about how these efforts are shaping the future of healthcare in the region: https://lnkd.in/dip6AJEf #Healthcare #Monitoring #Evaluation #Punjab Global Evaluation Initiative

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The Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) celebrates Elizabeth Eisenberg, MSN, RN, CVAHP from Scripps Health for commitment to excellence in the specialty of healthcare value analysis! Liz has signified this commitment by signing the official Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) healthcare value analysis pledge. To learn more about the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) Commitment pledge: https://lnkd.in/gqEWPBue. #AHVAP #valuebasedcare #excellenceincare #valueanalysis

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ITUP's Digital Equity Snapshot fact sheet is a brief overview of the opportunity to close the digital divide and provide a more equitable and accessible future of health care. https://lnkd.in/gtJnbvQG

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PUBLIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS RECEIVES $152 MILLION TO EXPAND ITS WHOLEYOUNYC NETWORK, WHICH WILL PROVIDE FACILITATED AND EASIER ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR NEW YORK CITY NEIGHBORHOODS The grant will ensure the delivery of social services to improve health outcomes for Medicaid members in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan New York, NY (August 7, 2024) Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $152 million grant to Public Health Solutions (PHS) from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) under the Medicaid 1115 Health Equity Reform Initiative (Social Care Networks). This investment will enable the expansion of WholeYouNYC (WYNYC), our community-based resource network, providing Medicaid members in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan with access to essential community resources. “Every year, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers avoid healthcare due to concerns about money, housing, food, transportation, and other unmet needs,” said Zachariah Hennessey, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at PHS. “Through New York State’s Health Equity Reform initiative, we have a once in a generation opportunity to change this trajectory and ensure Medicaid beneficiaries receive the resources they need on time to achieve optimal health for themselves and their families.” The award underscores the need for coordinated, technology-enabled access to New York City’s social safety net and represents a crucial step in building the public health infrastructure of the future. Public Health Solutions recognizes that equitable access is fundamental to achieving better healthcare outcomes and improving overall quality of life. Since 2018, WholeYouNYC has made a remarkable impact through its extensive network of 500+ community-based partners, which offer more than 800 services. Placing people at the center of care, the network has served over 16,000 participants, made 24,000 referrals, and saved upwards of $2.8 million in healthcare costs through its food and nutrition resources alone. By reducing gaps and preventing health crises before they occur, WholeYouNYC is transforming healthcare for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Over the next three years, this funding will enable WholeYouNYC to further connect New Yorkers with essential resources such as food, transportation, employment support, health insurance, housing, and healthcare services. Our aim is to build regional infrastructure and community-based partnerships that will best serve Medicaid members and other underserved communities. Securing additional funding from government entities, donors, corporations, and philanthropists will be essential to ensuring the network’s accessibility and long-term sustainability for all New Yorkers.

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While data surges, as should #dataliteracy. Join Tracie Smith from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago who talks about harnessing data literacy, happening at this year's #HDAA2024 conference in UNC Health, Chapel Hill. "Advancing Data Literacy of staff has become an increasingly important part of organizations as they move toward a data-driven culture. Effective use of data to make informed decisions depends upon a foundational understanding of key concepts as well as responsibility and accountability for data. An ongoing commitment to data literacy is needed to ensure that staff apply the tools from data literacy training experiences to make data-driven decisions and commit to continuous learning to develop confidence in telling stories with data. Additionally, as use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare grows, a strong Data Literacy Program is a strategic capability that drives AI literacy. In the fall of 2023, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago formally committed establishing a Data Literacy program. The goals are to foster a data-driven culture and to create a common data language across the institution as well as set up Lurie Children’s for success in utilizing AI assets. The program was developed in stages which began with focus groups that included a diverse representation of the workforce. The information gleaned from the focus groups was used to create an enterprise-wide course, consisting of five e-learning modules and targeted toward leadership at Lurie Children’s, as well as role-based courses for staff who utilize data as part of their day-to-day duties. As the program matures and grows, we will include trainings when new analytic products are launched and on specific self-service tools in a variety of modalities to meet differing needs of learners. This presentation will highlight the stages of development for Lurie Children’s Data Literacy Program; the components of the enterprise-wide and role-based courses; and the structure of the program as well as the plan for future growth. Additionally, we will feature lessons learned and discuss the evaluation plan for the overall program." #healthcaredata #healthanalytics #dataliteracy #datascience #HDAA #NorthCarolina #AnalyticsTakesFlight

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In our latest #newsletter, guest writer HealthBegins’ Vice President of Medicaid Strategy and Initiatives, Bayley Raiz, DBH, DHS(C), FACHE, outlines how Upstreamists can take the good intentions behind addressing #healthequity to the next level to make meaningful impact and drive real transformation. #upstream #SDOH September 2024: Closing the Gap Between Intention and Impact https://lnkd.in/gDkKyWZ3

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Advancing healthcare #technology transforms how boards assess risk in response to emerging challenges and innovations. Our four panelists are sharing insights and best practices for global board directors at #WCDGIVA24.

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As states navigate the complex landscape of Medicaid Section 1115 waivers —flexible agreements that allow them to modify their Medicaid programs to meet specific needs—critical decisions today will shape healthcare access for millions in the future. These waivers play a crucial role in addressing the diverse health challenges faced by communities across the country. Recent tracking from the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights a mixed landscape of approved and pending waivers, reflecting varying state priorities and political climates. Some states are using these waivers to introduce measures like work requirements, premium assistance, and new eligibility criteria, all aimed at improving health outcomes, though often raising concerns about access and equity. In Arizona, for instance, the state's Medicaid program, known as Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), has utilized Section 1115 waivers to expand access to services, including behavioral health support and preventive care. However, ongoing discussions about potential work requirements and changes to eligibility criteria raise concerns about access for low-income families who rely on these essential services. Experts caution that while the intent behind these waivers is to enhance the efficiency of Medicaid programs, more restrictive policies can have unintended consequences, particularly for low-income families. Striking the right balance between innovation and accessibility is essential; without careful consideration, vulnerable populations may suffer the consequences. At A New Leaf, we recognize the profound impact that Medicaid has on the lives of individuals in underserved communities. Access to healthcare is not just a necessity—it's a fundamental right. We must advocate for policies that prioritize health equity, ensuring that every individual has the resources they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. By engaging in these critical conversations and championing inclusive policies, we can work toward a healthcare system that truly supports the well-being of all. https://lnkd.in/evWGZ9F

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