First Person: Cherry Street Health Services Centers Services around Patients

By Natasha Robinson, MPCA Communications Specialist

Nine Michigan Primary Care Association staff, including me, took some time yesterday (Wednesday) to visit Cherry Street Health Services’ Heart of the City Health Center in Grand Rapids. Of course, the 45 minute ride is a way to bond with co-workers casually while carpooling. In one car we talked about relationships with others and the variety of Health Center services offered across the state. In another car, I heard they discussed health policy. As we met up at the Health Center, it was very easy to notice clear signage in English and Spanish, lots of natural light, and monitors on the walls showing important messages related to health and Cherry Street services.

There was a staffed reception area right in the center, and the first floor sprawled out to different hubs – Pediatrics, Dental, Pharmacy, Vision, Adult Medicine, and Counseling – with ample waiting room space, clean restrooms, and a reasonably priced vending machine with healthy options. The staff was courteous and helpful, directing us to the second floor to meet with Sharon Barton, Director of Development, and Mike Reagan, Chief External Relations Officer, for our tour.

The second floor was less busy – mostly because the hubs are administrative offices, the Durham Clinic, and behavioral health. But there was tons of natural sunlight and a beautiful sprawl of plants overlooking the central reception area. I was already impressed with this newer building and the customer service provided. I was familiar with Cherry Street Health Services as an organization mostly because of its AmeriCorps program. But I was eager to learn more.

Cherry Street Health Services staff Sharon Barton and Mike Reagan talk about the Health Center’s services.

Mike and Sharon took us through a PowerPoint presentation that focused a lot on how they manage the care of patients with chronic illness. They highlighted the innovative Durham Clinic – still a work in progress, but showing promising results for improving outcomes – among all of the other services offered at their various sites. The Durham Clinic, which opened less than two years ago, integrates primary health care and behavioral health services by connecting all types of providers and linking them to patients with chronic conditions. The clinic is sort of the shining star of patient-centered care because it’s designed to help them make improvements to their lives the best way they can. The providers, a crew of internists, licensed social workers, case managers, and more, meet daily to review cases and discuss what messages to reiterate to their shared patient. Their goal is to help equip the patient with the tools they need to help manage their own health.

There are more than two dozen Cherry Street sites located throughout the state but centered in and around the Grand Rapids area. The Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has grown since it merged with Touchstone innovare and Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance in October 2011 and currently serves about 60,000 patients.

The staff we met is committed to great outcomes for their patients and happy with the work they do, and where they do it. Some of them are even patients. It’s great to know that the on-site pharmacist can work personally with providers and patients to give them an optimal medication regiment. The pharmacist also takes the time to be hands-on with pharmacists in training, who one day may serve in FQHCs. There are nurses whose positions are dedicated to serving children with special needs who are patients at the clinic.

MPCA staff that visited Cherry Street has duties that range from accounting to technical support to access technical assistance to clinical technical assistance. Our level of FQHC background knowledge varied from little to expert. And many of us walked away thinking the people, the place, and the services offered were high quality and sort of even better than what we’ve seen at our private physician offices.

Cherry Street’s STEAM room is another innovative way to help kids regain health and fight obesity. They learn about health and nutrition, and work out in a supervised setting.

My work in outreach and enrollment and in communications with MPCA has shown me that Health Centers across the state are all working hard to provide the best they have for their communities. I’m glad that places like Cherry Street Health Services exist and continue to grow and innovate in a way that encourages the best for its patients, its staff, and its community. We at MPCA are also thankful that they opened their doors to this experience to show us the work that’s been done, and to share the work that’s in progress. Kudos to CEO Chris Shea and his team – from leadership, to providers and clinical staff, to maintenance and building supports – for creating and nurturing a welcoming environment for patient-centered care

Baldwin Family Health Care’s Tuesday Tie Day Highlights Men’s Health Week

By Natasha Robinson, MPCA Communications Specialist

Baldwin Family Health Care staff wear ties to highlight National Men’s Health Week. Contributed Photo

Baldwin Family Health Care’s staff will observe National Men’s Health Week today by wearing ties typically worn by men.

Baldwin Family Health Care hopes the ties – goofy, serious, bright, or dark – will draw the interest of the people they serve. June is National Men’s Health Month, and the week prior to Father’s Day is observed as National Men’s Health Week.

Baldwin Family Health Care Staff. Contributed Photo

“We’re hoping that patients will become curious enough about all the ties that they’ll ask what’s going on and we can start the conversation and inform them of the campaign, and the importance of the men in their life practicing healthy habits,” said Baldwin Family Health Care Executive Assistant/Facilities Manager Terri Vanias. “We’re bound to make an impression on someone.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw) recommends men get good sleep, toss out the tobacco, move more, tame stress, stay on top of their game, and find affordable health care.

Baldwin Family Health Care Staff. Contributed Photo

Baldwin Family Health Care is one of Michigan’s 35 Health Center organizations, which are on the front lines everyday providing quality, comprehensive, affordable primary and preventive health care to more than 600,000 Michigan residents at over 220 delivery sites across the state. It is one of many Health Centers in the nation that provides care regardless of patients’ insurance status or income level.

Contact Your State Representative BY TODAY to Expand Health Coverage in Michigan

Michigan Primary Care Association is asking ALL health care advocates to take time to contact your State Representative(s) by TODAY, June 10, regarding a bill to expand health coverage eligibility to more Michigan residents.

House Bill 4714 was introduced in the State House on May 9, and sent to the House Committee on Michigan Competitiveness. Committee members, led by Chair Mike Shirkey, have heard four days of testimony on the Medicaid expansion and reform bill. HB 4714 originally included a controversial 48-month lifetime cap on coverage. MPCA’s Chief State Policy Director, Doug Paterson, was one of many to testify before the committee in support of HB 4714 with the removal of the 48-month cap.

On June 7, a substitute bill for HB 4714 was introduced. Instead of removing able-bodied adults from Medicaid after 48 months, the bill requests a waiver from the federal government to allow those in the expanded Medicaid program after 48 months, who are between 100 percent and 133 percent of the federal poverty level to purchase private insurance through the health insurance marketplace or increase cost sharing requirements to 7 percent of their income while still in the program. For the first 48 months, recipients between 100 percent and 133 percent of poverty would be required to pay not more than 5 percent of their out-of-pocket medical expenses (they would not have to do so during the first six months). Contributions could be reduced based on beneficiaries achieving specific goals toward improving or maintaining healthy behaviors.

The House Committee on Michigan Competitiveness is scheduled to hold two meetings on the bill THIS WEEK, on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is predicted that the committee will vote on the bill Wednesday and send it to the House floor before adjourning for the summer recess.

It is essential that the committee members listed below hear from many of their constituents and their fellow State Legislators that they should PASS House Bill 4714. Please click the link for a simple but impactful way to contact your lawmakers:  http://bit.ly/14Pb56c.

House Committee on Michigan Competitiveness
Rep. Mike Shirkey, Chair (R, 65th District) 517.373.1775
Rep. Ken Yonker, Majority Vice-Chair (R-72nd District) 517.373.0840
Rep. Gail Haines (R-43rd District) 517.373.0615
Rep. Kevin Cotter (R-99th District) 517.373.1789
Rep. Frank Foster (R-107th District) 517.373.2629
Rep. Ray Franz (R-101st District) 517.373.0825
Rep. Ken Goike (R-33rd District) 517.373.0820
Rep. Dan Lauwers (R-81st District) 517.373.1790
Rep. Tom Leonard (R-93rd District) 517.373.1778
Rep. Dave Pagel (R-78th District) 517.373.1796
Rep. Paul Clemente, Minority Vice-Chair (D-14th District) 517.373.0140
Rep. Jim Townsend (D-26th District) 517.373.3818
Rep. Andy Schor (D-68th District) 517.373.0826
Rep. Harvey Santana (D-9th District) 517.373.6990
Rep. Kate Segal (D-62nd District) 517.373.0555

Mission of Mercy Free Dental Event Seeks Patients

Free dental care is available TODAY and TOMORROW in the Saginaw area for ANYONE and they need more patients!

The Michigan Mission of Mercy is a two-day FREE dental clinic for any child or adult that needs dental services, regardless of previous dental history, insurance status or their ability to pay, and it’s happening TODAY and TOMORROW (June 7 & 8).

The Michigan Mission of Mercy will be held at the Ryder Center on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University (7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710-0001).  Doors open at 5:30 a.m. and close when they have reached our capacity that day. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis, so they strongly encourage patients to come early and expect long lines.

All patients are examined by a licensed dentist to determine their most important need. Depending on the patient’s need, services may include cleanings, fillings, tooth removal (extractions), a limited number of root canals and treatment partials to replace front teeth. Unfortunately they are not able to provide caps, crowns, partial dentures, complete dentures, implants, bridges or orthodontics. Narcotics will not be dispensed. The patient and the treating dentist will decide the appropriate service that best fits his or her circumstances. An individual’s most severe problem will be given first priority. Services will be done on a first come-first serve basis. Proof of income is not required, and the event is free regardless of income.

It is suggested the patient bring the following items to the Michigan Mission of Mercy:

• Snacks and drinks to sustain you during your waiting period. Bottled water will be available.
• Adequate clothing to shelter you while waiting.
• Something to pass the time, like a book, knitting or puzzles.
• Please bring a list of your current medications. On the day of the clinic be sure to take your medications and bring them with you if you would need them throughout the duration of the event.

All patients will go through Medical Triage prior to being seen by a dentist. They will review your medical history, take your blood pressure, and, if necessary, test your glucose levels.

• Blood pressure cutoff: 190/105
• Blood sugar cutoff: 300
• First trimester pregnancy: no elective treatment
• Patients on Aspirin or Effient, Brilinta or Plavix can be treated for Extractions.
• Patients that have been off Coumadin, Pradaxa or Xarelto/anticoagulants for one day prior to treatment may receive extractions or other surgical procedures.

Bisphosphonates (Aredia, Zometa, Boniva, Actenol (Risedronate), Fosamax (Alendronate):

• Routine dental care may be provided.
• Local anesthesia can be used as necessary.
• Scaling and Prophylaxis as atraumatic as possible with gentle soft tissue management.
• Avoid dental extractions if possible unless Class 3 mobility.

Stents and Heart surgery – eligibility for treatment and the need for pre-med will be made on a case by case basis by the Medical Triage Physician.

Interpreters will be available for those speaking Spanish, Filipino and Japanese. Other languages can be accommodated through an interpretation service over the phone. They encourage you to not bring children to Michigan Mission of Mercy unless they are receiving treatment.

For more information, click here.

Health Delivery Inc. Board Member Happy to Begin Third Term

By Natasha Robinson, MPCA Communications Specialist

Health Delivery Inc. Board of Directors Vice Chairman Santiago Peregrino.

Santiago Peregrino got a slow start in his first term as a board member at Health Delivery Inc. (HDI) in 2005. The learning curve caused him to not be as active a board member, he said. But now as he enters his third term, he wears the title of vice-chairman of the board – one of the least passive positions possible.

“I told my son this is worth spending my time on. I’m going to do good work and be the best I can be as a board member,” Peregrino said. “Once I tackle something, I just stay with it and do a good job.”

Peregrino, a retired college professor, joined the board in 2005 at the request of a former HDI executive director. He said serving on the board of directors was brand new to him because he came primarily from the word of academia, and had practiced law.

“Every year I’ve enjoyed it more and more and have been more active. That includes going to conferences and giving reports,” Peregrino said. “I believe in the cause.”

The cause is the thousands of people receiving affordable, quality primary health coverage being served across 14 counties, with HDI’s headquarters in Saginaw. Peregrino said the most important need is for everyone in the community to know that the services HDI’s offer are there.

“They should know exactly what those services are and that no one is turned down for lack of money,” Peregrino said. “The bottom line is no one is going to be turned down and we’re for real. We don’t just talk about it.”

Peregrino’s mission now is to make sure that new board members have the opportunity to be properly oriented to the work being done, and to finish a policy manual for board members. He said that’s where his biggest satisfaction as a board member has come from.

“My best experience has been convincing board members to be more involved and also proposing that we do more for orienting more board members and educating current board members,” Peregrino said. “I try to practice what I preach at the meetings. I provide input and encourage others to do the same.”

His hope is that he’d love for the board to get more involved in advocacy, and said that it’s important for everyone in the community to revisit the U.S. Constitution and review the basic provisions, such as Congress promoting the general welfare of its citizens.

In his free time, Peregrino and his wife like to travel and enjoy their five adult children and grandchildren. He also enjoys woodworking and tinkering around under his car. He’s also done some production and on-air hosting of a show called Somos Hispanos (We are Hispanics).

Cherry Street Health Services CMO Plans to Enhance Health Center, Integrate Care

By Natasha Robinson, MPCA Communications Specialist

Access to integrated care is important to Cherry Street Health Services’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Platt. That’s why he’s so proud of the Durham Clinic at the Heart of the City Health Center in Grand Rapids. The clinic integrates medicine and behavioral health and helps patients manage chronic conditions.

Dr. Tom Platt, Chief Medical Officer, Cherry Street Health Services

“It’s a model for the future for integrating care for people with chronic conditions,” Platt said. “I got to see it from the beginning, starting with 20 patients, and it has grown to 950 patients. We are asked a lot about that particular program.”

Platt grew up in the Midwest and then attended Brown University in Rhode Island. A three-year public health service obligation led him to work in a Health Center in Rhode Island, where he stayed for seven years. His work led him to begin administrative medicine versus just seeing patients. A job at the University of Michigan pulled him back to his generations of Michigan roots, and he, his wife, his three children, and his two dogs have been here since 2002. At the University of Michigan, he worked as the chief medical officer of their health plan. Desiring to go back to internal medicine full-time, he accepted a position with Cherry Street Health Services.

“The thing I get the most out of being at a Health Center is seeing the dedication of the staff at Cherry Street and the effort they put into caring for our patients,” Platt said. “It makes me proud to be here.”

Platt said the Grand Rapids area has all the amenities of a big city but in a “small city package.” He said the city does have issues with unemployment, homelessness, and lack of access to medical care. The area has also seen a lot of consolidation of medical and specialist practices into hospital groups, and that limits the provider’s ability to see patients at little or no charge.

“The individual providers no longer have the say in how they provide that service to the community,” Platt said.

That’s one of the reasons Platt believes expanding Medicaid is right for Michigan, and it could help more than 60,000 people in Cherry Street’s service area. He’s hoping lawmakers will see that expanding Medicaid eligibility is a benefit that impacts the entire state.

“It amazes me that it’s even up for question. This is a program that will provide medical care to thousands of patients,” Platt said.  “It’ll improve quality of care, increase job opportunities, and fill a need. Patients we see now will ultimately have insurance and that will allow us to do additional things we can’t do now for these patients.”

One of his goals at Cherry Street is to continue the process of integrating care throughout the entire Health Center system, and to help achieve the triple aim – improve patient experience, population health improvement, reduce overall cost. Platt also wants to achieve Patient-Centered Medical Home at each site, and strengthen community by training upcoming providers.

“If you have someone you train, you’re much more likely to keep them,” Platt said. “There isn’t enough exposure to in the trenches primary care.”

Platt recently joined Michigan Primary Care Association’s board as a clinical representative. At Cherry Street, he still spends about 20 percent of his time seeing patients because he wants to know what life is like for the practicing physician as he guides their work.

Platt and his wife, who live in Dexter, will celebrate 20 years of marriage in June. In his free time, he makes furniture in his “elaborate” basement woodshop. He also plays the piano for fun.

Cherry Street Health Services is a not-for-profit organization offering comprehensive health services to low-income children and families. The Federally Qualified Health Center has over 25 sites and services around the State.

Baldwin Family Health Care Chief Dental Officer Recognized at Dinner

By Natasha Robinson, MPCA Communications Specialist

Marilyn Stolberg, DDS, was recognized by MPCA CEO Kim Sibilsky and MPCA Clinical Specialist Diane Rydahl earlier this month.

Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) recognized Baldwin Family Health Care’s outgoing Chief Dental Officer Marilyn Stolberg, DDS earlier this month during its Dental Leadership Dinner in East Lansing.

Stolberg, who has served as a representative for clinicians on MPCA’s Board of Directors, is retiring from Baldwin Family Health Care on June 7, 2013. Her retirement means she is no longer able to serve on the board as a Clinical Representation.

Stolberg said she was proud to represent dental interests at MPCA Board meetings and other meetings, and continues to be committed to supporting Health Centers.

“We took a moment at the Dental Leadership Dinner to recognize Dr. Stolberg for her time, expertise and passion for Health Centers and their mission, and for participating on the MPCA board as oral health representation, and on the Clinical Advisory Committee,” said MPCA Clinical Specialist Diane Rydahl.

MPCA hosted its first Dental Leadership Dinner to promote networking among Michigan Health Center dental leaders the night before the Michigan Oral Health Coalition’s Annual Conference.