Michelle Bernabe

Episode 3 of our Social Determinants of Health Series with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just dropped on YouTube! I'm so grateful to be cohosting this series with Zami Hyemingway, MSW to discuss the social determinants of health for gender-expansive people! The fourth and season end episode will be launching on Trans Day of Remembrance, 11/20/2025. So catch up and check out the last one in just under two weeks! https://lnkd.in/gRXySCN5

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NEW: More health systems have been hiring health equity officers to achieve institutional equity goals. But there hasn't been a blueprint for how to do that work — until now. 🌟 IHI's new framework is based on learnings from a rapid-cycle innovation project + advisory group of HEOs:

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🌍 Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care: A New Horizon in Healthcare 🧠 As I prepare for the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare event, the spotlight continues on the crucial integration of behavioral health with primary care—a global health priority underscored by the UK's recent commitment of £150 million to enhance mental health services. Read about the UK's initiative here: https://lnkd.in/gnfU6GUU Why is this Integration Essential? Early intervention in mental health care within primary settings not only enhances patient outcomes but also diminishes the stigma around seeking mental health support. This holistic approach is pivotal for comprehensive healthcare. Facing the Challenges, Seizing the Opportunities Integrating mental and physical health services presents logistical and training challenges, yet it opens up innovative opportunities to improve healthcare delivery. Effective solutions require collaborative efforts and strategic planning, highlighting the vital role of management consultants. The Role of Management Consultants Management consultants play a critical role in transformative healthcare projects, such as those supported by recent UK funding. They help strategize and implement integration processes to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. For a broader perspective on how management consultants are shaping the healthcare landscape, you can explore this insightful article from Harvard Business Review. https://lnkd.in/gkuJnQVf Let’s Discuss at the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Event Join me in Abu Dhabi to explore how global health systems can emulate successful models of behavioral health integration. Let’s discuss the advancements and share insights on implementing these practices worldwide. How can consultants facilitate these changes? What strategies have you seen succeed? 👉 Follow the event updates here. https://www.adghw.com/

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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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The Future of Health is Prevention-Focused Did you know that investing in preventative care can significantly improve individual and community health outcomes? Let's shift the paradigm! We need to move beyond reactive healthcare and prioritize: Strong public health initiatives: This includes accessible screenings, vaccinations, and educational programs. Empowering individuals: We need to equip people with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their well-being. This could involve promoting healthy habits, stress management techniques, and early detection strategies. By focusing on prevention, we can create a healthier future for all. What are your thoughts on the importance of preventative care? #Prevention #HealthyLiving

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The federal government has teamed up with New York State to invest $3 billion into social care interventions that will impact health outcomes over the next three years--is your social care organization ready to take advantage of this moment? I've answered countless inbound questions about the waiver--the structure, the programs, how to best get involved. It's clear that there's a ton of confusion but also a ton of energy on behalf of social care providers all across the state! That's why we've designed a new offering at HSG -- a Waiver Workshop. This two-part, interactive session will give your leadership team all the facts in the shortest amount of time so that you can get to what matters most--crafting a comprehensive strategy plan for your organization to be successful. I spent nearly 10 years in the social care ecosystem before coming into the health care space--wouldn't you like to do this work with someone who understands your sector? I'm here to help. Sign up to schedule your workshop at the link below⬇ ⬇ #newyorkstate #medicaid #1115waiver #healthrelatedsocialneeds #socialcare #healthcare

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My proverbial "dance card" is filling up for late summer--lots of organizations are starting to position themselves to take full strategic advantage of the waiver. The Social Care Networks have been selected (announcement coming soon) and they're already making design decisions, as implementation begins now. Don't let this opportunity slip away if you're a health-adjacent social care provider! #medicaid #1115Waiver #socialcare #healthcare #socialdeterminantsofhealth #healthrelatedsocialneeds

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Health equity doesn’t exist in any state in the Union. Disparities are often manifested by non-medical drivers fueled by political determinants. Systemically, value-based care is meant to address these. Inherently, VBC frameworks are architecturally designed to close these gaps. Sadly, we are far from it as economic and payment models still incentivize services for isolated fees. It’s time for change! How? What do you think it’s needed? While progress is underway, what changes are still missing?

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Sharing because I love an underdog- You can't afford not to invest in community care (or to be overly literal about value) A small community clinic asked me for help visualizing their impact Last year: → 173 uninsured patients served Total primary care + lab visits ↳$ 68,450 in direct care value But that doesn't tell the whole story: → Uninsured patients are 5x more likely to lack regular care →2/3 of ER visits are considered "avoidable" 173 patients seen in the community equates to ~112 preventable ER visits ↳That's $274,736 saved Now consider the prevented hospitalizations: → 18% of uninsured ER visits risk catastrophic health expenditure (Translation: 31 potential hospitalizations prevented) ↳$362,700 saved Total impact on the local healthcare market: ↳$705,886 in cost savings Most hospitals have operate on 1-2% margins Every $1 saved = $100 they don't need to earn This tiny nonprofit prevents $35.29 million in uncompensated care For the large, national hospital systems it coexists with This clinic runs on volunteers Operates on a shoestring budget Relies on donor support The ROI here? $1 donated = $6 generated for their local healthcare market All through providing basic healthcare to those who need it most No fancy tech No massive overhead Just by providing the right interventions at the right time What could your local healthcare system do with an extra $35M?

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Renal Systems Reform Blueprint: Holistic Accountability and Empowerment Framework (HAEF) The Holistic Accountability and Empowerment Framework (HAEF) is a strategic model designed to tackle systemic flaws in renal care systems. It addresses physician entitlement, corporate dominance, and patient disempowerment, providing clear, actionable solutions. This framework emphasizes Patient-Centered Empowerment, ensuring that all reforms prioritize patient voices and needs. It is an essential tool for healthcare leaders seeking to create equitable, accountable care systems. Central Node: Patient-Centered Empowerment The central focus, Patient-Centered Empowerment, represents the goal of systemic reform. It connects all four quadrants, emphasizing the need for collaborative, patient-first care models. Patients, often sidelined in renal care, must become active participants in their treatment decisions. The Four Quadrants 1. Physician Entitlement and Its Impacts    •   Key Issues: Over-reliance on credentials, dismissive attitudes, and rigid care models.    •   Impact: Erosion of trust, disengagement, and reduced adherence to treatment plans. 2. Corporate Influence and Systemic Issues    •   Key Issues: Profit-driven models by corporations, suppression of innovation, and minimal patient advocacy.    •   Impact: Policies prioritize revenue over care quality, perpetuating inefficiencies. 3. Patient-Level and System-Level Impacts    •   Key Issues: Patients feel powerless, ignored, and excluded from feedback mechanisms.    •   Impact: Marginalization, reduced trust, and worsening health outcomes. 4. Reform and Accountability Measures    •   Solutions:       •   Empathy training for physicians.       •   Financial transparency for corporations.       •   Patient education programs and advisory panels.    •   Impact: Greater accountability and improved care quality. Interconnections The framework demonstrates the interdependency of systemic issues. Physician entitlement, for instance, is reinforced by profit-driven corporate cultures, while patient disengagement contributes to systemic stagnation. Arrows connecting the quadrants highlight the need for comprehensive, unified reforms. Purpose and Applications The HAEF provides a roadmap for addressing entrenched problems in renal care. It offers strategies to:    •   Rebuild patient trust.    •   Enforce accountability for physicians and corporations.    •   Empower patients to play active roles in their care. This model equips leaders with the tools to tackle inefficiencies and inequities systematically. Kidney Watch - Renal Systems Accountability Architect

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Some heady reading but basically, AcademyHealth (funded by Kaiser Permanente and in partnership with the American Public Health Association) created a new agenda in 2023 to guide a "reimagined public health system." TLDR—the agenda includes seven domains: (5 from 2004/2012) - Cross-sector Partnerships & Engagement - Data & Information Technology - Financing & Resources - Workforce - Law & Governance (and 2 new) - Communication & Narrative - Health Equity ----------------------- What do you think about the agenda? I always find it interesting how long/often we have been talking about data inadequacies. And the need is only outpacing our abilities. Obviously I am all for the Health Equity lens, but that is not quite a hot take if you follow me at all 😎 though I do like how they depicted it as underscoring every other domain. I actually think the added agenda focus on "Communication & Narrative" is intriguing. It centers on preventing misinformation, demonstrating the "ROI" or value of public health programs, and addressing "polarization, trust, and equity." What a wild time we're living in! Just don't look up. ----------------------- Read the full agenda/report: https://buff.ly/43Vj5J6

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New data from SAMHSA reveals concerning trends in adolescent mental health and substance use in the U.S. for 2023. The report highlights substance use issues, with 14.7% using illicit drugs and 8.5% meeting criteria for substance use disorders. These findings underscore the critical need for accessible mental health and substance abuse resources for our youth. As professionals, how can we better support adolescent well-being in our communities?

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🎧 Tune in this #NationalMinorityHealthMonth as Taylor Johnson and Meghan Kwiatkowski, MAIO, PMP, LSSGB, CPHQ dive deep into community engagement, leadership strategies, and navigating #socialdeterminantsofhealth. This #AMAStepsForward #podcast episode explores linking patients to vital resources and crafting actionable plans for private practices. Listen now and claim #CME! #SDOH

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"To be an activist is to speak. To be an advocate is to listen. Society can't move forward without both." Eva Marie Lewis I am closing the loop on my recent post highlighting the need for fairness and transparency within the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) Fellow and Senior Programs and beyond. The American Hospital Association (#AHA) and #ASHE have responded to our call to action by conducting an internal audit of the Fellow (#FASHE) and Senior (#SASHE) program. This is a significant step towards addressing the concerns raised and ensuring a more equitable process for all members. I want to sincerely thank the ASHE and AHA staff for responding to this issue with urgency and importance. Their commitment to addressing our concerns shows a true dedication to the values we all uphold. Additionally, I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support I received both publicly and privately. Your encouragement has been invaluable and humbling as we work together towards a better future for ASHE members. Official statement from ASHE 👇👇 ASHE is committed to ensuring our recognition programs are fair, transparent, clear, and easy to access. Given this, ASHE is conducting a thorough review of the Senior (SASHE) and Fellow (FASHE) program. Please take 3-5 minutes to answer a few questions about your experiences. We're conducting a thorough review of the program and are welcoming input. All responses are confidential, and your input will help us optimize the member experience moving forward. My ask of ASHE members 👇👇 Please take 3-5 minutes to answer a few questions about your experiences. I provided a link to the survey in the comments below. Thank you for your participation in making our ASHE community stronger and more inclusive. 🙏 💙 #Leadership #Advocacy #HealthcareFacilities #healthcare #ProfessionalDevelopment #Integrity #Empowerment #Equity #Feedback

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As New Jersey implements legislation to expand contraception access, state officials are focusing on cross-sector and interagency collaboration. Public sector leaders in other states working to expand access to reproductive health services can explore lessons learned and key takeaways in a new report from ASTHO and Center for Health Care Strategies: https://lnkd.in/ee2AA_9y. #ReproductiveHealth #FamilyPlanning #HealthEquity NJ Department of Health

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"What Gives You Hope for Health Equity?": Health experts share what gives them hope for improving health for all I recently came across this compelling piece as part of the "Innovations In: Solutions for Health Equity" series. The article highlights the reflections of researchers, physicians, and advocates who are at the forefront of addressing inequities in healthcare. Here are a few key points: 🔹 Young people’s passion is a powerful force for change, especially on climate, reproductive rights, and social justice. 🔹 Global South professionals are challenging outdated global health practices, advocating for more equitable collaboration. 🔹 Measuring racism through data is becoming a central strategy for informing policy change. 🔹 Diversifying leadership in public health is key to driving sustainable, inclusive solutions. 👉 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dqdU9yVc #HealthEquity #GlobalHealth #SocialJustice #DiversityInScience

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CONCLUSIONS Small independent practices serving vulnerable patients in urban communities are surviving because deeply committed physicians are making personal sacrifices. Health equity–focused policies could decrease the burden on these physicians and bolster independent practices so that socially vulnerable patients continue to have options when seeking primary care. Yes, the financial design does not work for primary care where the public plans and weakest employers are concentrated - or if your population is elderly and poor. Yes, our nation does not have the social and other supports needed for Americans older and more behind. Yes, our financial design is closing and compromising practices and hospitals specific to most Americans most behind - a 40 year unbroken run of policy changes. We can all name colleagues that once made a difference but were forced to make changes because of the design. Many of us in urgent care, emergent, or hospitalist workforce are there because of the debts we ran up trying to do the right thing - what we trained in primary care to do. America is about 100 billion a year short in primary care spending and spending 100 billion more would be a best practices method for addressing health equity along with similar investments in mental health, womens health, geriatrics, and basic surgical for the 40% of the population with half enough of each basic health access workforce. There is no excuse for CMS 1.4 trillion a year designed against primary care and basic health access and 2621 counties lowest in health care workforce. The 40% behind in 2621 counties lowest in health care workforce are joined by at least 10% behind in counties with concentrations of workforce - that are failed by their health plans in multiple ways that defeat access. The current design is the opposite of health equity making the designers, associations, foundations, and institutions into deceivers when they claim to be health equity focused and yet have not accomplished the necessary distributions of basic health access funding. Why does Medicare pay less as levels of workforce get lower? Why do we let CMS get away with claiming that its plans cover the costs of delivering care when they do not and especially when CMS adds more costs and more duties and more toxicity to environments home and practice? https://lnkd.in/g2FxeJiH

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With over 55 million Americans 65-years and older in May of 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the direction of the Administration for Community Living – released Aging in the United States a Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging. Together with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement the John A Hartford Foundation the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States are among many agencies promoting an age-friendly healthcare system. The primary aim is to: Implement evidence-based practice Cause no harm Offer healthcare that aligns with what matters to the patient, family and caregivers This occurs through the 4M’s: What matters Medication safety Mentation, and Mobility https://lnkd.in/eC9XSCY8

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By now folks who follow me know that I value issue briefs that provide current data, clearly state the issues, and provide key and strategic action. Here's a valuable read from the Trust for America's Health: The Impact of Chronic Underfunding on America's Public Health System 2024... This report digs down into the current data (for those who value that dig), then poses 6 strategic and realistic actions "To improve the health and well-being of all U.S. residents, reduce healthcare costs and health disparities, and protect the nation’s health security, this report recommends several key policy actions: 1. Modernize and Strengthen Public Health in Every Community 2. Invest in the Nation’s Health Security 3. Address Health Disparities and Root Causes of Disease 4. Promote Health and Prevent Chronic Diseases Across the Lifespan 5. Invest in Primary Prevention of Behavioral Health Concerns and Deaths of Despair 6. Prepare for and Prevent the Health Impacts of Environmental Threats I'll be adding this report to the Doctoral reads for my Population Health course this Fall! Nicely done! #TFAH #PublicHealth #ChronicIllness #WholePersonCare #CareCoordination #CaseManagement #HeatlhEquity #SDoH #AccesstoCare #PopulationHealth #CommunityHealth https://lnkd.in/eUytjEHX Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies CMSA RISE Daniel Dawes Dr. Ulysses Grant Baldwin, Jr. Dr. Shannon I. Decker, PhD., MBA, MBA, M.Ed., M.Ed. Beck S. Moore

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