|
Welcome to Texas Health Institute
We are pleased to provide you with the October issue of the Texas Health Institute Newsletter.
Texas Health Institute (THI) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, independent organization serving as an honest broker of information to promote dialogue among all healthcare stakeholders and to enable policymakers to more thoroughly explore health policy issues and make informed decisions.
As we approach the holidays and the season of Thanksgiving, all of us at the Texas Health Institute want to give thanks to you for the contributions you make both through your financial and manpower resources to improve the health of Texans and their communities. Ghandi said each of us needs to "be the change you want to see in the world." We at THI are fortunate to work with so many talented, caring Texans who do just that. When we first launched our Shared Vision for Health Care in Texas project in 2003, we knew we would have to rely on the commitment of volunteers from a range of diverse backgrounds to make the project work. Who could ever have dreamed that the project would evolve and grow as it has!
In 2007 our accomplishments have included projects such as:
- A Vision for Change, a THI educational initiative to increase health coverage for the uninsured in Texas and measure the economic and fiscal impact, which in its first year has resulted in law that will enable 300,000 more Texans to have access to critical healthcare coverage beginning in 2008.
- Partnership for a Healthy Texas - Conquering Obesity, a THI facilitated state collaborative of over 20 organizations that developed six obesity legislative items that were enacted during the 80th session.
Because people like you have been willing to "be the change" we can also give thanks for our collaborative work with people and organizations through the years such as:
- Ron Cookston with the Gateway to Care in Houston, Texas: In less than three years, the collaborative was organized, had a strategic plan and was instrumental in accomplishing the establishment of nine new Federally Qualified Health Centers, providing services to an estimated 30,000 additional people per year, a navigator program to successfully direct uninsured from ER to primary care, and recruiting $68.5 million annually of charity tertiary care provided by member organizations as of October 2007.
- Dr. Guy Clifton, an ER surgeon, outraged by the unnecessary death of a young auto accident victim, who organized an effort to address the issue of emergency room diversions: A 501(c) (3) organization named "Save Our ERs" was formed and succeeded in getting the 78th legislature to pass legislation resulting in trauma funding to reimburse hospitals for uncompensated trauma care. Since the bill was enacted in 2003, the fund has distributed more than $166 million to approximately 250 eligible Texas hospitals.
There are still many changes needed and work to be done. We hope you will remember THI in your year-end giving. THI needs you help and continued support now more than ever as we become more and more effective in being a catalyst for progress in addressing healthcare issues.
The projects outlined in this month's newsletter represent the dedication and commitment of thousands of caring and concerned people just like you. We are so very thankful for YOU!
May each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Camille D. Miller
|
|
| How Does Texas Measure Up?
On October 17, 2007, THI hosted a review of The Commonwealth Fund's Commission on a High Performance Health System Scorecard entitled How Texas Measures Up, a Texas Health Institute Health Policy Forum. The report examined the current state of health and healthcare in Texas across five domains:
Facilitated by Camille D. Miller, attendees received a briefing from The Commonwealth Fund senior research advisor, Douglas McCarthy, M.B.A., and heard from a reaction panel of Texas experts including:
-
Jeffrey Canose, M.D., Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Presbyterian Hospital, Plano
-
Mark Clanton, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Staff Officer, American Cancer Society, High Plains Division
-
Kimberly Avila Edwards, M.D., Chair, Obesity Committee & Member, Executive Board, Texas Pediatric Society
-
Paul Handel, M.D., Medical Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
-
Pilar Oates, Executive Director, Methodist Health Care Ministries of South Texas
-
Scott Ransom, D.O., M.B.A., M.P.H., President, UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Panelist delivered a lively discussion around the current and future state of health from their diverse perspectives. This report card is an annual release that THI will be presenting again next year.
To access the forum presentations go to:
Presentations
|
|
Community Learning Collaborative Webinars Provide Mental Health Transformation Ideas
On October 17, 2007 , the Texas Health Institute launched a series of Webinar educational programs on behalf of the Texas Mental Health Transformation (MHT) - State Incentive Grant and the Texas Department of State Health Services.* The webinars are designed specifically to enhance mental health transformation activities at a community level and address the needs of the Community Learning Collaborative which is made up of the eight funded MHT community collaboratives, the 12 additional community collaborative applicants, the Governor-appointed Mental Health Transformation Workgroup (TWG), the National Advisory Committee for Mental Health Community Collaboratives, and other interested stakeholders.
The Community Learning Collaborative webinar series have proven to be a very effective forum for idea exchange between community collaboratives, consumers, families, providers and state agencies engaged in mental health transformation. The webinars allow participants to access the educational forums via the web or through an audio connection. Following the presentations, participants are encouraged to take part in a interactive dialogue with the featured content specialists.
First Webinar Focuses on Health Information Technology
Our first Community Learning Collaborative webinar, Health Information Technology (HIT): A Lever to Integrated Physical Health and Behavioral Health*, was held on October 17, 2007. Featuring Vincent Fonseca, MD, MPH, State Epidemiologist, Texas Department of State Health Services, the webinar provided ideas for HIT systems that included web-based screening, history taking and patient summaries to advance integration between state hospitals, community mental health and community health centers.
To access the webinar Health Information Technology: A Lever to Integrated Physical Health and Behavioral Health go to:
Second Webinar Highlights Mental Health Transformation in the Schools
The October 24, 2007 webinar, Community Approaches to Transforming School Mental Health*, presented evidence-based community approaches to address transformation of mental health in schools. Speakers Jane Nethercutt from the Austin Independent School District and Linda Meigs from the Georgetown Independent School District highlighted the Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) Program in Austin Independent School District and the Student Assistance and Intervention Liaison (SAIL) Program in Georgetown Independent School District.
The webinar illustrated the need to involve youth and schools in mental health community collaboratives to bridge collaborative efforts and existing school-based mental health reform.
To access the Community Approaches to Transforming School Mental Health webinar go to:
Presentations:
Third Webinar Provides Consumer and Family Engagement Insight
The Three Elements for Successful Consumer and Family Engagement* educational webinar held on October 31, 2007 provided an opportunity for both consumers and professionals to build skills to advance consumer involvement in mental health transformation. Presented by Carolyn Nava, social advocate and founder of Leadership International, and Valarie Garza, Texas Mental Health Transformation Consumer Coordinator, webinar participants received valuable information on how to develop consumer - driven mental health services that:
-
Identify and build the support necessary to engage and retain mental health consumer and family involvement.
-
Create an environment that fosters trust and open communications.
-
Recognize the core skills and competencies of effective partners (consumer and professional).
To access the webinar for The Three Elements for Successful Consumer and Family Engagement go to:
Presentations
Webinar Scheduled in November
On November 7, 2007, David Knudsen, PhD, Consultant to Oklahoma Innovation Center and Owner of KČ Consulting, will present Performance Standards for Consumer Involvement,* an overview of Oklahoma's process for developing performance standards in consumer voice processes. For more information on accessing this webinar, check our website atwww.texashealthinstitute.org or contact Amanda Conway at aconway@texashealthinstitute.org or call 512.279.3907.
|
|
Building a Blueprint for Kid's Care
THI's Camille D. Miller participated in a charrette to explore workable solutions to child abuse and neglect in Tarrant County. Held in multiple sessions October 15th through October 17th, Miller joined a panel of strategic planning local experts and community leaders in developing a blueprint for taking care of kids, families and the community through collaborative dialogue and design. The charrette was sponsored by United Way of Tarrant County. |
|
Advancing Consumer-Driven Mental Health Services
As part of its work on the Mental Health Transformation State Incentives Grant, THI partnered with the Texas Department of State Health Services in developing Involving Consumers in the Mental Health Care System,* a policy brief and corresponding health policy forum that provided policymakers with a broad understanding of the consumer role in the mental healthcare system and the potential benefits consumer involvement can offer to mental health transformation.
The health policy forum was held October 25, 2007 in Austin. Speakers provided specific examples of innovative approaches to consumer voices, shared their perspectives on challenges and opportunities, presented their recommendations for the future, and discussed policy implications of consumer involvement.
Speakers included:
-
Stephany Bryan, Technical Assistance Coordinator, Federation of Families
-
Maria Felix-Ortiz, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor in Psychology, University of the Incarnate Word
-
Carolyn Nava, Social Advocate, Leadership International
-
David Knudsen, Ph.D., Organizational Consultant, Oklahoma Innovation Center
-
Jack Szczepanowski, J.D., CEO, ValueOptions
One of the Texas Health Institute's core programs is hosting statewide Health Policy Forums that address emerging health issues. The goal of the Health Policy Forums is to provide policymakers, their staff and other health leaders and stakeholders with unbiased, balanced information about critical health and medical issues and a neutral "safe" environment in which to discuss these issues.
To access the health policy brief go to:
Health Policy Brief
To access the health policy forum presentations go to:
Speakers Presentations
|
|
Texas Health Institute to Host Regional Genetics Meeting
THI will be hosting the HRSA-sponsored Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center's (MSGRCC) 2007 Program Review and Planning Meeting in Austin, Texas, November 3, 2007. At the meeting, Consumer Advocacy and Public Health Workgroups will advise MSGRCC leadership on annual progress and direction. The meeting will include an overview of currently funded projects as well as proposed projects for next year.
Presenters include:
-
Janet Thomas, MD, Newborn Screening Outcomes and Management
-
Marzia Pasquali, PhD, Laboratory Quality Assurance
-
Kathryn Hassell, MD, Socio-Cultural Diversity, African American and Hispanic Populations
-
Representative for Murray Brilliant, PhD, Socio-Cultural Diversity, Native American
-
Liza Creel, MPH, Genetics Policy Education
The MSGRCC is one of seven regional collaborative centers covering the nation. It is federally funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Genetic Services Branch. The Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center includes the states of Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. |
|
Bernstein Memorial Tribute On November 30, 2007, there will be a memorial tribute held at 1330 hours in the hospital chapel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC for Major General Robert Bernstein, MD.
Dr. Bernstein passed away on July 23, 2007. He served on the Texas Health Institute board of trustees and executive committee. He dedicated his life to public service through both his military career and his public health work. Dr. Bernstein was a champion in giving back to his country, state and community in both his professional and personal life. We are grateful to have had the privilege to have known and worked with him. For more information on Dr. Bernstein and his life, please go to this webpage:
|
| School-Based Mental Health
On November 16, 2007, Texas policymakers will have an opportunity to go back to school to learn The ABC's of School Mental Health,* at the THI health policy forum developed in collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services. The forum will provide participants with a historical perspective on school-based mental health, a review of innovative programs at the state and local level, insight on policy implications of school-based programs and recommendations for the future.
Scheduled speakers include:
Al Duchnowski, PhD, Deputy Director, The Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
Jenni Jennings, Mental Health Consultant. Formerly Executive Director of Youth and Family Centers at Dallas Independent School District.
Following the presentations a panel of Texas school and mental health professionals, consumers and families will join speakers and forum participants in an interactive discussion.
For more information on the forum or to register to attend, please contact Amanda Conway at aconway@texashealthinstitute.org or call 512.279.3907.
THI Attends Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases Conference
On September 17 and 18, 2007, Camille D. Miller attended the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases in Newborns and Children at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Miller was joined by John Johnson, MD, and Joyce Hooker in representing the Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center at the conference.
|
|
THI Attends Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases Conference
On September 17 and 18, 2007, Camille D. Miller attended the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Genetic Diseases in Newborns and Children at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Miller was joined by John Johnson, MD, and Joyce Hooker in representing the Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center at the conference. |
|
THI to Participate in National Coordinating Council on Genetics
Camille D. Miller, THI CEO/ President, serves on the planning committee and will participate in the November 7 - 9, 2007 National Coordinating Center (NCC) Advisory Committee Meeting in Bethesda, MD. The meeting is sponsored by HRSA (Health Resource and Service Administration) and the National Coordinating Center and is a learning collaborative that serves as an opportunity for the regional collaborative centers across the U.S. to learn from each other. THI participates in this event as part of its work with the Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center.
For more information on this event, please contact Liza Creel at lcreel@texashealthinstitute.org or call 512.279.3910.
Senior Editor: Camille D. Miller
Editor: Delia Presley |
|
About the Texas Health Institute
Our mission is to provide leadership to improve the health of Texans and their communities through education, research, and health policy development.
Senior Editor: Camille D. Miller
Editor: Delia Presley
The Texas Health Institute (THI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on the development of health policy solutions to improve the lives of Texans and their communities. From acting as an honest broker and hosting unbiased health policy forums that facilitate dialogue among policymakers and other healthcare stakeholders, to creating a vision of an improved future healthcare system, THI is a think tank - providing evidence-based policy options and solutions as well as innovative, "outside the box" collaborative options to improve the health of Texans and their communities.
The THI newsletter is a monthly publication of the Texas Health Institute written to update THI board of trustee members and Friends of the Institute.
For e-mail address changes, add or delete requests, please e-mail your request to:
dpresley@texashealthinstitute.org
If you would prefer to receive this newsletter through the U.S. mail or fax, please e-mail your contact information to:
mailto:dpresley@texashealthinstitute.org
If you would prefer not to receive further messages from this sender, please contact us at:
delete@texashealthinstitute.org
* Funding for this was made possible (in part) by 5 U79 SM57485-02 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderator do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government. | |
|
|
Camille Miller
President/CEO
_______________
Texas Health Institute: Board Meeting
November 13
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Signature Science Building
________________
MSGRCC Mid Year Meeting
November 3
Austin TX.
________________
Focused Forum: The ABC's of School Mental Health
November 16
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
United Methodist Church Family Center, 1300 Lavaca St,
Austin, TX 78701
________________
Webinar: Performance Standards for Consumers
November 7
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
________________
It is now easier than ever to
become a Friend.
THI can now accept credit
cards. For more information
on the
Friends of the Institute
program, go to:
or e-mail
|
|
