The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49729

Sonya R. Albury, MSW, Health Council of South Florida, 8095 NW 12 Street, Miami, FL 33126, 305-592-1452, salbury@healthcouncil.org

The need for concrete, data driven solutions to the current health care crisis is more critical than ever before. Insurance rates are increasing in the double digits; residents are seeking health care through the emergency room at a mounting rate; and many people are without a regular source of health care, oftentimes not knowing where to turn when seeking medical treatment. With one in four residents uninsured in Miami, Florida, affecting nearly 450,000 people, the need for strategic solutions has led to a surge of planning activities. The presenter will profile two such initiatives. The North Miami-Dade Community Health Initiative is a community-driven model for engaging a broad-based coalition of residents, providers, faith-based organizations and other community leaders. Specific issues to be addressed include: community profiling, engagement of the community in dialogue, and action planning. A multi-media outreach packet will also be presented that offers strategies on how to educate and empower the public on how to utilize health services and programs for which they may be eligible, but are not currently accessing. Second, the Mayor’s Health Care Initiative that promotes business participation in community health will be discussed in the context of offering affordable health insurance options to small businesses. Strategic solutions will be presented that may be developed by the local business and health care community to foster sustainable, health care access for the working population, particularly the working poor.

Learning Objectives:

• List five sources of quantifiable information for community health profiling.
• Describe the process for engaging the community in dialogue on critical health care issues such as overcoming barriers to care.
• Develop an Action Plan for community health problem-solving within local geographic areas of high priority need.
• Identify three methods for fostering business participation in increasing health care access.

Keywords: Planning, Public/Private Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Health Council of South Florida, we do not view this as a potential conflict of interest.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employer