Vassar Byrd

On Friday, three of our four staff attended the Perinatal Quality Collaborative for Maine's (#PQC4ME) annual conference in Augusta. We've included some staff reflections below: #POLICY 🗳 : Reversing the effects of decades of chronic underinvestment in perinatal outcomes will require strategic, policy-level advocacy work in Maine. #COLLABORATION 🤝 : Improving Maine's perinatal health metrics demands a coordinated, collaborative, and multi-sector response to patient voices. It is imperative that the healthcare system, the legislature, community-based organizations, and perinatal professionals (in particular #doulas) work together. #MAINESUCCESSES 🌲 : Strategic leadership and orchestration is well underway in Maine, with growing opportunities for #qualityimprovement expertise from all sectors. #TESTIMONY & #STORIES 🗣 : To influence the outcomes and change the minds of policy-makers and legislators, we need testimony from those most impacted and harmed by the lack of investment and protections. Coaching on the effective delivery of stories from those with actual lived experiences is the next step. A very special thank you to the PQC4ME team for putting on an A++ conference. The inspiration at Birth Roots Center for Community Supported Parenting abounds! 🌱

19

https://lnkd.in/ekuJtgW4 Examples here of what is happening at the state and federal level to advance respite care, which we must support through any transitions. States are employing various means of reaching diverse and needy families through single touch points and coalitions with other entities such as faith-based organizations. I was happy to see that academia was mentioned at least in one example as part of coalition building. Also mentioned are recruitment strategies for building respite workforce. Some states are hitting all the right buttons and these should serve as models for other states, and also for expanding help to other areas beyond respite. The best way you can ensure innovative programming at the state and federal level is to let your legislators know that these are priorities. These efforts require financial support. #newagingpartnership #caregivingconfidential #respite #nationalacademyforstatehealthpolicy #caregiving

5

7 Comments

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

6

Quality in health care and equity in health outcomes are inextricably linked. Our team, along with taskforce members, have compiled practical approaches to demystifying bringing together quality and equity.

23

2 Comments

This paper reviews the infection control and prevention measures taken in assisted living facilities in New York State in response to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 through December 2022. Learn more: Read the article in JPHMP: https://bit.ly/3PV7fcp

1

When discussing the lack of access to healthcare in rural America, behavioral healthcare is often left out. Rural communities face a disproportionate lack of access to healthcare. However, their patient population needs and deserves access to not only healthcare, but quality healthcare, that meets their needs. This includes behavioral healthcare. This is one great example of how to do it right. By providing quality behavioral healthcare in rural communities, and personalizing care to the needs of the patient population, we can ensure comprehensive care. Without offering this range of care, or curating healthcare opportunities to the needs of patients in the community, healthcare falls short of the quality the community needs. Do you agree? #RuralHealthcare #healthcare #BehavioralHealthcare

1

A recent editorial in the Boston Globe touted the benefits of integrating primary care and behavioral health care. The Dimock Center has long been a pioneer in this area, developing a unique behavioral health integration model that allows patients to access long-term behavioral health services in our primary care clinic. We’ve seen this model decrease the time it takes to receive these services and allow for a more holistic approach to a person’s overall health and wellness. It is heartening to see mainstream support for a model of care that we know can be successful in both increasing access to care and decreasing stigma. https://loom.ly/9X8maig

72

3 Comments

🌟 Advocating for the Future of Community Health Centers 🌟 In the latest NACHC update, we see how Congress determines CHC funding, from mandatory funding cycles to discretionary appropriations. This funding directly impacts: ✅ Expanded access to primary care ✅ Infrastructure investments ✅ Workforce retention and growth At CHC Pros LLC, we understand how funding uncertainty can disrupt planning, care delivery, and innovation. That’s why we’re here to help CHCs optimize resources, streamline operations, and improve patient outcomes, even during periods of financial ambiguity. 💡 Pro tip for CHC leaders: Stay ahead by preparing robust performance data that showcases your clinic’s impact. Demonstrating value and outcomes is key to advocating for sustained and increased funding! Let’s continue working together to secure a healthier future for all. #FQHC #CommunityHealthCenters #CHCFunding #HealthcareAdvocacy #CHCProsLLC #NACHC

1

In today’s Boston Globe, MMS President Dr. Hugh Taylor writes: “State policy makers and health care stakeholders must take immediate action to support changes that will fortify and grow a diverse, competent, and compassionate primary care workforce to meet patient needs and control costs.” The MMS is proud to support legislation filed by Senator Cindy Friedman to double primary care investment. This transformational bill will put the state’s health care system on the path to recovery. You can read Dr. Taylor’s op-ed and learn more about the Medical Society’s efforts to strengthen the primary care workforce here: https://ow.ly/xNLW50Sjc3A #mapoli #PC4You #PrimaryCare

29

7 Comments

Regardless of age, chronic conditions can significantly impact quality of life. Here is how elder care in Philadelphia, PA can support seniors with chronic conditions https://lnkd.in/e8-Ke-wU

1

Join us tomorrow for an encore presentation on "Managing Opioid Use Disorder in CT Nursing Homes - Toolkit Implementation." This insightful panel, facilitated by The Connecticut Women's Consortium, brings together experts from Harvest Healthcare, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and key members of our Healthcentric Advisors team. We'll share innovative strategies to help your staff compassionately support residents with opioid use disorder. 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑: https://lnkd.in/e4GY77R7

2

Improving Rural Healthcare Access: A New York State Initiative On National Rural Health Day, New York State has announced significant investments to enhance physical and behavioral healthcare services in rural communities. These efforts aim to overcome barriers such as provider shortages, limited resources, and access challenges for the 3.4 million New Yorkers living in rural areas. Key initiatives include: Expanded mental health services: Increased funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and specialized programs to address mental health and addiction needs. Support for rural healthcare facilities: Grants for facility improvements, workforce training, and advanced health IT infrastructure. Addiction and harm reduction efforts: Mobile treatment units and distribution of critical harm reduction supplies statewide. Loan repayment programs: Support for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers to serve rural areas. At Zoobook Systems, we understand the unique challenges rural healthcare providers face. Our EHR solutions are designed to support behavioral health organizations by streamlining operations, improving care coordination, and ensuring compliance. Here's how we can help: Streamlined Patient Management: From scheduling to billing, our AI tools simplify workflows so your team can focus on delivering quality care. AI Data-Driven Insights: Harness reporting tools to make informed decisions tailored to your community’s needs. Customizable Solutions: Flexible features designed to meet the specific needs of rural and underserved populations. Let’s work together to transform rural healthcare. Visit us to learn more about how Zoobook Systems supports providers in making a difference: 0800 996 6997 or www.zoobooksystems.com or email [email protected] #RuralHealth #HealthcareInnovation #EHR #BehavioralHealth #ZoobookSystems

1

1 Comment

NEW: A UHF report provides a series of practical approaches to help coordinate efforts to improve health equity and health care quality across NYC.   The series of lessons and insights stem from a 22-member task force of health care and health equity leaders from nine local hospital systems, who UHF brought together to develop a framework to help organizations better understand the drivers of inequities—and to identify and share promising practices to advance health equity throughout the city.     Read the new report here: https://lnkd.in/eg5Kynv4

2

The Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home works year-round to increase access to quality hospice and palliative care services in the community. One way that we have amplified our commitment to this mission is by becoming a member of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), and you can too! Your entire staff will have access to essential tools, training, and technical assistance specific to the challenges and opportunities faced by hospice agencies when designing and delivering upstream palliative care. Join today and receive a discounted rate due to your affiliation with us. https://lnkd.in/dXU8pumd The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) offers your organization’s entire staff full access to tools, training, and technical assistance specific to the challenges and opportunities faced by hospice agencies delivering upstream palliative care. These include program design assistance; tools to identify measures and collect data; training in communication skills, pain and symptom management, dementia care best practices, family caregiver support, and more. Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home members can join and receive a discounted CAPC member rate. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dXU8pumd #cthealthcareathome #CAPC #memberbenefits

2

1 Comment

Today, MTF released a new report on workforce challenges in the behavioral health field and its impact on equitable access to care in Massachusetts. The reports include data on how the size of the workforce has changed in recent years and the main contributors that have made growth insufficient to meet the increasing demand for services. The analysis provides an overview of major behavioral health workforce development programs administered by the federal government, Massachusetts, other states, and providers in the Commonwealth. We also make recommendations for policymakers to further support the growth and diversity of the workforce. Read the report here: https://conta.cc/4fZm0G6 #mapoli #healthcare #behavioralhealth #mentalhealth #workforce #policy

11

Congratulations to NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst for it's recognition as a "Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access", by U.S. News and World Report. The hospital was highlighted for its success as a high performing hospital providing excellent care to patients in underserved communities. NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is one of only 53 hospitals in the country recognized for this honor and the only one in New York State. NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst met a number of qualifications to make the U.S. News list, including having 40% or more of its patients from a community of greater socioeconomic deprivation, serving 20% or more racial/ethnic minorities, and serving 20% or more Medicaid patients. https://on.nyc.gov/3ziedCT

167

8 Comments