Hamilton Community Health Network Participates in Project Homeless Connect

Hamilton Community Health Network, a Community Health Center that provides comprehensive, quality primary and preventive health care to residents of Genesee County, participated in Project Homeless Connect this week in Flint. Hundreds of homeless people accessed the goods and services they need, from food, to health care, to clothing. Watch the video above to learn more about the event.

Loss of Jobs, Outdated Tax Structure Make Michigan Among Poorest States

by Douglas M. Paterson, MPA, Director of State Policy, Michigan Primary Care Association

In a report just released by the Pew Center on the States*, Michigan was highlighted as one of 10 states along with California (who is in a league of its own having  the 8^th largest economy in the world and whose deficit of $43 million is the same size as Michigan’s entire budget) whose current troubles will have dramatic consequences for their residents: higher taxes, layoffs and furloughs, longer waits for and elimination of public services, more crowded classrooms, higher college tuition,  and less state support for lower income residents.  The report says that Michigan’s fiscal situation is expected to worsen even when the national economy recovers.  Federal stimulus money that is helping to cover some expenses will start running out next year.

What’s more, when the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis releases finalized 2009 data, Michigan is expected to be among the 10 poorest states in the nation.  Projections are that by the end of this decade, Michigan will have lost 1 million jobs.

One of the major problems cited by the report is that Michigan’s tax code exempts some of the most prosperous segments of the economy.  Special tax breaks are offered not only to retirees but also to companies wooed to the state. In addition, few services are subject to sales taxes.   For this reason, the state’s taxes combined grow at only about half the rate of personal income. Michigan offers 6.3 billion more in total tax exemptions, credits and deductions than it actually collects in taxes.

The Pew Center on the States’ report simply reinforces what we at Michigan Primary Care Association have been supporting for the past two years—elected officials must address the fact that:

• We must reform and consolidate government, creating a “new normal”.  The prosperity that Michigan has enjoyed for the past 50 years is over and we will have to consolidate departments,  operations, services, and adjust how state and local governments operate. 
• We must update our tax structure to include a graduated income tax and a tax on selected services.
• We must re-examine the tax exemptions that have built up over many years, evaluate them for cost effectiveness, and eliminate those that don’t save the state money.
• Replace elected state officials who fail to address these remedies.

 For a copy of the full report go to www.pewcenteronthestates.org.

 *An independent nonprofit, Pew is the sole beneficiary of seven individual charitable funds established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew.  The assets of these trusts totaled $5.2 billion at the end of June 2008.  In fiscal year 2009, Pew will invest about $280 million in initiatives to serve the public interest.

Community Health Centers Combating Diabetes

In an effort to raise awareness about diabetes, which is the fifth deadliest disease in the United States according to the American Diabetes Association, the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization have designated Saturday, November 14 as World Diabetes Day.

The theme for this year and the next four campaigns is, “Diabetes and Education”. It focuses on educating people about the diabetes risks and warning signs and helping them understand how to manage diabetes.

Increasing the quality and years of healthy lives of U.S. residents is a commitment of Community Health Centers in Michigan and across the country. These providers of comprehensive, accessible, affordable quality primary and preventive care participate in innovative disease management programs, such as those addressing diabetes. The doors of Community Health Centers are open to all community members regardless of insurance status and fees are based on patient income and family size.

Many Michigan Community Health Centers are using creative ways to educate patients about diabetes management. Muskegon Family Care of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, for example, produced a video with Trinity Health that is posted on YouTube explaining the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and how to choose nutritious foods.

Diabetic case managers at Hackley Community Care Center, also in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, consult with diabetic patients on an ongoing basis and offer a six-week chronic disease class. Hackley Community Care Center most recently participated in a local Annual Diabetes conference by providing health screenings and resources for the community.

“Community Health Center staff have the tools and knowledge to help patients manage their diabetes and reduce the complications of the disease,” said Jerelyn Scott, RN, BSN, MPA, Clinical Quality Director, Michigan Primary Care Association. 

To find a Michigan Community Health Center located near you, go to www.mpca.net. For more information about World Diabetes Day, diabetes warning signs and risk factors, go to www.worlddiabetesday.org.

There’s A Lot at Stake for Michigan in the 2010 Census

The once-a-decade population count called the Census determines a lot. The number of residents counted in each state determines federal funding for social programs and the number of seats each state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives, not to mention public infrastructure projects like highways and school and the amount of business investment in our communities.

Consider this- for every 100 people not counted a community risks looking $1.2 million in federal funding over the course of the next ten years. This funding supports important programs including medicaid, transit, public housing, head start, education, social services and many others.

The Detroit News also reported that for each person not counted in Michigan, the state will lose $10,000 to other states over the course of 10 years.

Getting an accurate population count is crucial, but its also a tremendous challenge. The lack of funding to effectively carry out the count and immigrant populations fear of government are just two of the massive challenges we are facing.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently kicked off its communications campaign to reach every resident in America with the launch of its 2010 Census Web Site, 2010CENSUS.GOV. It provides tools and information aimed at easing fears about the census and encourages participation in the count. It also points out the most important thing to remember about the 2010 census “we can’t move forward until you mail it back“. Census forms will be arriving in your mailbox in March- 10 questions, 10 minutes, take the time to fill it out! (And, if you would like to get a look at the census form before it arrives you can click here) You can also follow the U.S. Census on Twitter, watch Census videos on YouTube and read their blog.

Nonprofit organizations like Community Health Centers play a critical role in the census by spreading the word to their patients and communities about the importance of completing and submitting the form. In the next few weeks Health Centers and nonprofits across the state of Michigan will be receiving a toolkit packed with resources to get involved and spread the word. Today, you can begin by getting educated on nonprofits’ role in the census and spreading the word on your website and in your publications.

And, in case you missed it, an archive of the October webinar “Nonprofits and the 2010 Census: Nuts and Bolts” is available below:

U.S. House Passes Historic Health Reform Bill

After hours of debate that culminated in a dramatic 220-215 vote, the U.S. House passed its landmark health reform legislation on November 7 that would provide health insurance for 96% of Americans by 2015. Michigan’s House members split along party lines.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) blends the three versions of reform legislation passed by the House committees of jurisdiction this summer. It includes new guaranteed funding over five years for Community Health Centers that would allow them to expand their reach to 20 million new patients by 2015 and generate billions of dollars in additional health system and Federal Medicaid savings. The legislation also extends Medicaid coverage to 15 million individuals and families with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level and provides financial assistance for millions more Americans in need. Click here to read more about the key components of the bill.

Michigan Primary Care Association applauds the House leadership for passage of this bill, including U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) who was the bill’s lead sponsor. He has advocated for health care reform his entire career, continuing his father’s legacy by introducing a national health care reform bill each year he has been in Congress. MPCA also thanks Michigan’s House members who voted in support of HR 3962: Reps. John Conyers (D-14), Dale Kildee, (D-5), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-13), Sander Levin (D-12), Gary Peters (D-9), Mark Schauer (D-7), and Bart Stupak (D-1).

“With this historic vote, we are closer to bringing relief to American families who are forced to decide whether they will pay the mortgage or their health insurance premium,” said Dingell.

Now all eyes are turned to the Senate, where its health reform bill faces an uphill battle.

Community Health Center Executive Fellowship Developing New Leaders for Health Centers

Staff of Community Health Centers, primary care safety net clinics, and Primary Care Associations wanting to enhance their leadership skills listen up – enrollment for the 2010 Community Health Center Executive Fellowship is now being accepted.

The Community Health Center Executive Fellowship is a year-long program designed to prepare individuals for management positions in Community Health Centers, including executive director and senior management positions.

Using online interactive technology, students in the program expand their knowledge and develop the professional skills necessary to respond to the dynamic challenges that exist in the community health environment.

The program is offered by the University of Kansas Medical Center through its Department of Health Policy and Management. It was developed in collaboration with the Greater Midwest Association of Primary Health Care and the Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved to address the need for succession planning at Community Health Centers in the region. Begun in 2006, it is now entering its fourth year.

The Class of 2010 Kick-Off will be held January 13-15, 2010, in Kansas City, Kansas. Click here for a brochure that explains more about the program, or go to www.chcexecfellow.com for additional information.

U.S. House to Vote on House Health Reform Bill This Weekend

After finishing up debate tomorrow on the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962), the U.S. House is scheduled to take a final vote on this historic health care reform legislation on Saturday, November 7. 

Introduced last week by Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team, the bill includes $12 billion in new guaranteed funding for Community Health Centers over five years through the Public Health Investment Fund. This would allow Health Centers to expand to serve up to 20 million new patients by 2015, and generate $212 billion in additional health system savings and in excess of $59 billion in Federal Medicaid savings.

HR 3962 also includes language to make affordable health insurance coverage available to as many as 36 million Americans who are currently uninsured or severely underinsured. Most notably, the bill extends Medicaid coverage to 15 million individuals and families with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level and provides financial assistance for millions more Americans in need.

This is a critical juncture in the health reform debate and your Representative needs to hear from you. Please take a minute to contact your U.S. Representative to ask him/her to vote yes on HR 3962 – call the toll free NACHC advocacy hotline at 1.866.456.3949 to easily connect with your Representative.

Click here for more information on HR 3962.

Can You Name the Top 10 Compliance Risks for Health Centers Under the Stimulus Bill?

If your answer to that question is no, then you need to attend the Community Health Center Corporate Compliance Training hosted by Michigan Primary Care Association in Lansing on December 1-2.

Along with the millions of dollars of investment in Health Centers through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act this year to expand services and respond to increased demand for primary and preventive health care comes great responsibility.  Health Centers must take adequate steps to maintain compliance with ARRA’s requirements.  Failing to do so will put Health Centers at great risk.

This training specifically designed for Community Health Centers by Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP and RSM McGladrey Inc., with financial support from the National Association of Community Health Centers, will provide information about:

• The new climate of accountability, transparency, and enforcement
• Elements of effective compliance programs
• Legal and financial requirements for key Health Center risk areas
• Implementing a compliance program

 Included in the two-day training is an optional compliance officer training session.

The registration deadline for this training is November 16 – click here for the agenda and registration form.

Covenant Community Care Meeting Dental Care Needs in Southwest Detroit

Yolanda Townsend came to see the dentist at Covenant Community Care’s dental clinic for the first time on Saturday, October 24. Three days later she walked out of the University Detroit Mercy Dental School with a free root canal provided by a volunteer endodontist.  Her story is just one of 2,100 patients who have sought out dental care at Covenant Community Care since the young community health center in Southwest Detroit opened its dental clinic last fall thanks to the generous support of the McGregor Fund, the Carls Foundation, the City Light Foundation, Covenant Ministries of Benevolence and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan.

Yolanda and others like her found in Covenant Community Care’s staff of dentists, assistants and administrators a group of people who served her with diligence and care as they carved out a niche as one of Detroit’s most affordable and accessible places to receive dental care. Under the direction of Dr. Tom Storen, a retired dentist and former U.S. Marine, the dentists, Dr. Lynn Eickholt and Dr. Kay Price, lead the effort to meet every need, whether an emergency, a filling, a denture, crown or cleaning. Dr. Eickholt, a graduate of the University Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and a National Health Service Corps Scholar, and Dr. Price, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, have turned this three chair clinic into a beehive of activity 6 days a week 52 weeks per year. Keeping them busy is Clinic Manager, Maria Aloyo, who puts her bi-lingual Spanish/English skills to great use serving a mix of patients —black, white and Latino, many of whom speak only Spanish.

As you come into Covenant Community Care’s clinic at 559 West Grand Boulevard, you are greeted by a beautiful bronze cross donated by one of the founding churches, Faith Covenant Church in Farmington, Michigan. The cross helps to focus the staff on their mission to show and share God’s love through providing integrated, affordable and quality health care to those who need it most.

In this case, integrated health care is experienced as you pass through the first floor medical clinic, with doctors and nurses curing illnesses and treating diseases under Medical Director Dr. Lydia Best, on your way to the second floor dental clinic, which shares space with a small counseling office where Psychologist Dr. Tim Hogan leads a team in caring for the mental health needs of patients. It is in this rich integrated care setting that Covenant’s dental clinic took root in the fall of 2008 after years of fundraising and renovations. Even after all the dental chairs were in place, it took the special talents of Doctors Storen, Eickholt and Price to breathe life into the empty rooms.

The clinic’s first few weeks were slow. But as Ms. Aloyo began to trumpet the talents of the dentists, patients came to see how far their money could stretch under Covenant’s generous sliding fee scale. Word of mouth spread throughout the spring and by the time Covenant cooperated with the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School on a “Free Braces” screening day last June which provided dental exams and cleanings to nearly 500 and provided free braces to 60 low-income children and adolescents, the clinic’s reputation had blossomed and the steady stream of patients making their way upstairs became a daily event. Dr. Bill Krieg and his team of volunteer orthodontists have added to the clinic tremendously by making affordable braces available to all low-income Covenant patients in need of braces.

Yolanda Thompson came to the clinic through another exciting program – “Save A Tooth Day”. Covenant hosted this day on October 24 in an effort to identify 50 people in need of free root canals which were generously provided by volunteer endodontists from the Michigan Association of Endodontists.

Together with 49 others, Ms. Thompson discovered firsthand how great a treasure the clinic that Dr. Storen built up through the gifts and talents of Dr. Eickholt, Dr. Price and Ms. Aloyo has become for the people of Southwest Detroit. And all this in one short year.

But as the State of Michigan has cut dental benefits for adults out of the Medicaid program, the need for affordable dental care is growing. In the coming year, Covenant’s dental clinic will expand its effort by adding preventative dental programs in local schools and by creating a new seven-chair dental clinic on Michigan Avenue nearby the existing three-chair West Grand Boulevard clinic.

If the past year is any indication, many more people will receive excellent dental care from Covenant dentists in the years to come.  For those who came to the empty second floor clinic just one short year ago, the growth and healing happening today and into the future is nothing short of a miracle.

Michigan Lawmakers on Facebook

Facebook is another great way to get in touch with your legislators and make your voice heard on important issues!

There are now 66 Michigan Representative and Senators on Facebook… do you see your legislator listed below?

If you do, add them as a friend or follow their public profile to stay up-to-date and let them know how you feel about upcoming legislation.

Michigan Representatives Andy Coulouris Andy Dillon Andy Neumann Arlan Meekhof Barbara Byrum Bill Huizenga Bill Rogers Bob Genetski Brian Calley Chuck Moss Dave Agema Eileen Kowall Gail Haines Goeff Hansen Hugh Crawford Jase Bolger Jeff Mayes Jim Stamas Joan Bauer Joe Haveman Joe Hune John Proos Justin Amash Ken Horn Kevin Daley Kevin Green LaMar Lemmons Larry DeShazor Marc Corriveau Marty Knollenberg Mike Huckleberry Pam Byrnes Paul Scott Peter Lund Phil Pavlov Andrew Kandrevas Richard LeBlanc Rick Jones Scott Hummel Sharon Tyler Tim J Moore Tom McMillin Tonya Schuitmaker Wayne Schmidt

Michigan Senators Alan Cropsey Bill Hardiman Bruce Patterson Cameron Brown Deb Cherry Glenn Anderson Gretchen Whitmer Hansen Clarke Irma Clark-Coleman Jason Allen John Gleason John Pappageorge Mark Jansen Martha Scott Michelle A McManus Mickey Switalski Randy Richardville Ray Basham Roger Kahn Tom George Valde Garcia Wayne Kuipers