Jan. 30, 2009 | Vol 7#1
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2008-2009 MPCA Board of Directors Executive Committee
Jaeson Fournier, DC, MPH, President
Deputy Health Officer, Ingham County Health Department, Lansing, MI
Chris Shea, President-Elect
Executive Director, Cherry Street Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI
Linda Shively, MPA, HCA, Secretary
Executive Director, Baldwin Family Health Care, Baldwin, MI
Michelle Styma, Treasurer
Executive Director, Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc., Hillman, MI
Laura Piascik, Health Center Board Member Committee Chair
Center for Family Health, Jackson, MI
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Upcoming MPCA Events
Finance Officers Workshop
February 4, 2009
Comfort Inn & Suites
Mt. Pleasant, MI
UDS Training
February 5-6, 2009
Comfort Inn & Suites
Mt. Pleasant, MI
MPCA Board Meeting
February 18, 2009
5 pm dinner, 6-8 pm meeting
Radisson Hotel
Lansing, MI
Legislative Forum
co-sponsored with the Michigan County Health Plan Association
February 19, 2009
Anderson House Office Building, Mackinac Room
Lansing, MI
Lead Poisoning Detection & Treatment Clinical Training
February 26, 2009
MPCA
Lansing, MI
Supervising Staff Who Give Immunizations Clinical Training
February 27, 2009
MPCA
Lansing, MI
28-Hour Leadership Training Series
March 4, March 18, April 1,
April 2
MPCA
Lansing, MI
Click here for additional MPCA events, including committee, network, and workgroup conference calls and meetings.
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Support Michigan’s Health Centers! Click here to sign up as a Health Center ADVOCATE today. Health Center Advocates receive e-mails about advocacy efforts, state and federal legislation affecting Health Centers, and Calls to Action to communicate with elected officials.
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by Kim E. Sibilsky, Executive Director, Michigan Primary Care Association
 I would hate to be Representative John Boehner. His is the one shrill voice, the cold foot under the comforter that was the inauguration of our new president. I can’t help but think of the soothsayer in the play “Julius Caesar” and her maudlin “Beware the Ides of March!” I want Boehner to put a lid on it and put his shoulder to it. I want him to be a part of the cure, not of the disease. But just as there was truth in the warning of the soothsayer, so is there truth in Boehner’s warning about the economic stimulus package currently proceeding through Congress. It could go very wrong.
I certainly don’t know what the right combination of “tax and spend” in this situation should be to make significant change in our economy. No one really does. What I do know is that, whatever the formula, we in the Community Health Center business are in a position to make it work. We can use the plans and resources we have developed over the past nine years in health information technology implementation, the five to seven year plan we have in hand for capital development, the partnership with the State in data analysis of shortage to define the best places for new program development, and the strong partnerships and recommendations that are developing through the Michigan Primary Care Consortium for workforce development. We know what needs to be done.
Our next major challenge is to do it. Now is the time to do a quick systems check to be sure that we’re ready when it comes. I ask our members and friends to run a check list, in sailing it’s a shake-down, on your organization relative to readiness for information systems improvement, capital expansion, workforce and financial systems stability. If there is anything that needs technical assistance, consultation or a systems’ tweak, small or large, ask for it now. Health Centers have resources; use them now to be ready for resources yet to come. This is our chance to show that we are the systems’ answer to the challenge the country currently faces.
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 by Douglas M. Paterson, MPA, Director of State Policy, Michigan Primary Care Association
Forty-six new House members were inducted in January, and on January 26, Speaker Andy Dillon announced all committee assignments. Of relevance to Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), Representative Marc Corriveau from Northville will be chairing the House Health Policy Committee; and, even though it has not been formally announced, Representative Gary McDowell is expected to once again chair the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health.
In addition to working on MPCA’s specific legislative priorities - securing state funding of Community Health Centers, health coverage for all Michigan residents, implementing the Patient Centered Medical Home model in Michigan, and developing Michigan's health care workforce - MPCA will again be advocating that the Individual Market Reform legislation (Blue Cross Bills), which is expected to be introduced and debated again this year in the state legislature, address the uninsured as well. We are also hoping that another vote on smokefree air legislation will be taken by summer and that enough new members of the House will be supportive to see the bill pass.
I encourage as many of you as possible join MPCA and the Michigan County Health Plan Association for our Legislative Forum on February 19 in Lansing. When it comes to advocacy, numbers make a difference, so it is essential that many members attend. If you haven’t registered yet, please visit the MPCA website to do so. Unlike past years, attendance is FREE so please register and join us on February 19 to learn about the political climate in Lansing and details about the MPCA 2009 legislative priorities, and meet with your legislators. |
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The much-talked-about federal stimulus package, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, continues to be a top priority of the Obama Administration. The Health Center community is tremendously grateful that the U.S. House version (HR 1), which passed on January 28 by a margin of 244-188, includes $1.5 billion in new funding for Community Health Centers as well as $600 million to fund primary care workforce (including funding for Health Professions Training and National Health Service Corps) over two years. This shows considerable support for the Health Centers program and recognizes it as a cost-savings for the health care system. According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, Health Centers generate an overall economic development impact of $12.6 billion and produce 143,000 jobs nationwide. The Senate is considering its own version (S 1) that was released Friday, January 23; both of Michigan's U.S. Senators, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), are among the bill's 17 co-sponsors. S 1 passed out of the Senate Appropriations and Finance Committees this week and heads to the Senate floor where debate is expected to begin early next week. While there appears to be significant support for the Health Center funding contained within the stimulus bill, the package as a whole is growing more contentious. As Members continue to debate overall funding and provisions within the bill, Health Center funding could become more vulnerable, particularly through the amendment process. Please stand ready to contact your Members of Congress should advocacy efforts be needed next week. |
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 Michigan Primary Care Association has joined with Delta Dental of Michigan and Ingham Regional Medical Center/McLaren Health Care to pilot a project designed to have dentists and physicians work together more closely on detecting high blood pressure in patients. Early research indicates that gum disease and heart disease may be connected and scientists are further examining the link between oral health and its impact on cardiovascular health. Under the pilot partnership that kicked off this month, dental offices in mid-Michigan will screen patients for high blood pressure. If they detect a problem, the dentist will recommend they see their primary care physician or offer a referral through Ingham Regional Medical Center/McLaren Health Care and the Michigan Primary Care Association. IRMC will then conduct follow-up calls to the patients offering further health education and referral assistance. Read more
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Michigan Primary Care Association is honored to once again partner with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan to co-sponsor the Innovations in Health Care Award with the Michigan Association of Health Plans, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan Osteopathic Association, and Michigan State Medical Society. Individuals/Organizations who have devoted their time and effort to devise new and innovative treatment or prevention programs in the areas of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease are encouraged to submit an application. Three awards will be given at the Champion of Hope Tribute Dinner on April 28 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. Applications are due February 20. Click here for an application. |
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Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) is proud to be a sponsor of the statewide public broadcast of Governor Granholm's State of the State Address on February 3 at 7 pm. "This sponsorship spot at the beginning and end of the broadcast is a tremendous opportunity to let Michigan residents know that Community Health Centers want to be their health care home," said Dana Hughes, Communications Manager, MPCA. If you are unable to watch the live broadcast of the State of the State address, you can watch a playback of it on the WKAR web site (click on "Michigan State of the State"). |
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 During the Granholm Administration, the Governor and the Michigan Department of Community Health have requested State Governor’s Exceptional Medically Underserved Population (MUP) designation for population groups in six Michigan service areas. The six service areas occupy seven complete Michigan counties, and all six requests have been approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The MUP designation opens the door for expanded health care access and additional federal funding through the establishment of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Prior to the current administration, Michigan had only four population groups designated as Governor’s Exceptional MUPs and no designation requests had been submitted from Michigan since 1996.
State Governor’s Exceptional MUP designations are approved for population groups that do not meet the federal requirements for a standard Medically Underserved Area or Population (MUA/P) designation, but can demonstrate evidence of an exceptional need for enhanced primary care infrastructure through indicators of poor health status and documentation of barriers to health care access.
Upon designation as a Governor’s Exceptional MUP, each community has moved forward with efforts to expand access to health care for underserved populations. New Community Health Center sites have been established in five of the six designated areas.
- In December 2006, Cherry Street Health Services submitted a New Access Point application to establish a Community Health Center in Greenville (MontcalmCounty). Funded in August 2007, the Montcalm Area Health Center opened a full-time, full-service site in November 2007.
- Baldwin Family Health Care acquired two full-time, full-service primary care clinic sites in Cadillac and McBain in 2007. They have put in place a pharmacy program, and have also received a Service Expansion grant for integrated behavioral health.
- Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency, the local health department of northwest Michigan, is partnering with Alcona Health Center to open a new site in Petoskey; the projected start date is March 2009. Alcona Health Center is in the process of completing agreements with the health department and the Northern Health Plan, and in completing the required paperwork to include this new location as part of their federally recognized Community Health Center.
- Memorial Healthcare of Owosso has partnered with Health Delivery, Inc. to establish a Health Center site along with a mobile health unit. A temporary site opened in December 2007, and the Shiawassee Community Health Center, a permanent location in Owosso, opened in January 2009.
- Cassopolis Family Clinic opened a second location in Niles in September 2008. This site provides obstetric and gynecology services to medically underserved women in Cass and southeast Berrien Counties.
- The Barry-Eaton District Health Department applied for New Access Point funding in December 2007 to establish a new FQHC. This application was not funded; therefore, the health department continues to operate health department clinics in Charlotte and Hastings. It is anticipated that the health department will seek New Access Point funding in the future in order to establish a full-service Community Health Center in these locations.
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 MPCA recently launched its new blog, the first in a series of new social media outlets it will be pursuing in the upcoming months. The goal of the blog is to engage Michigan Community Health Center staff, board members, patients, and supporters and share up-to-date Community Health Center-related information in a fun way. Please take advantage of the interactive nature of the blog to comment on what you read.
To kick of the blog, MPCA is hosting an online discussion of HHS Secretary nominee Tom Daschle's new book, "Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis." We invite you to join us in reading and discussing the book to learn more about Daschle's proposal for reforming the U.S. health care system. Click here to check out the blog and make it one of your favorites, and to learn more about the online book discussion.
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 Hackley Community Care Dental Clinic Celebrating 10 Years
Hackley Community Care Center (HCCC) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its dental clinic. "The growth from December 7, 1999, to today is amazing," said Sheri Weglarz, Operations Director, HCCC. In 1999, the number of visits totaled 4,753. As of November 2008, that number exceeded 14,500. When the dental clinic opened its doors, one dentist, two assistants, and one registered dental hygienist supported by one clerical worker provided much needed care in six operatories. Every Thursday morning, patients would line up starting at 5:30 am hoping to be the first patient seen by the dentist even if they did not have the ability to pay. After two expansions, five full-time and two part-time dentists, dental students and volunteer dentists, one dental manager, 11 dental assistants, 10 clerical staff members, three full-time registered dental hygienists, and 14 operatories make up the clinic today. As Laura Huey of HCC Dental said, "We still face many challenges - how to schedule patients, how to handle the patient load and not burn out, how to meet the needs of the community - but we continue to progress. Think of how many lives have been touched. Congratulations, and thank you Hackley Community Care Center dental staff."
 Detroit Community Health Connection Gives Thanks
In appreciation for 20 years of serving Detroit, Detroit Community Health Connection (DCHC) rolled out the red carpet for Thanksgiving. DCHC President/CEO Wayne W. Bradley, Sr. and staff hosted more than 500 patients and their families at all five of the DCHC Health Center locations for Thanksgiving Lunch. "It is a small token of our appreciation to the community that we have served for 20 years," said Bradley. "We recognize the challenges that many of our families are facing, and are glad to help." The dinner was provided by Friends of DCHC with support from DCHC vendors, all of whom made contributions to ensure a healthy and complete meal for patients and their families. Patients were pleased and thankful, though not shocked. "This is the kind of care we receive from DCHC. They are like family," said one of the patients as she enjoyed her lunch. Thanksgiving Lunch was one of several community-outreach efforts that DCHC executes throughout the year.
 Health Center Nurse Practitioner Attends Homeland Security Training
Sue Vrobel, a Nurse Practitioner at Family Health Center of Battle Creek (FHC) and an Emergency Responder, recently completed Homeland Security Training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) located in Anniston, Alabama. Responders attending CDP training are selected from the nation's 11 million emergency responders. Training at the CDP ensures that responders gain critical skills and confidence to be better prepared to effectively respond to local incidents or potential weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents. Vrobel is an active participant in county emergency preparedness activities and represented the Fifth District Medical Response Coalition (DMRC) at the training. Due to her involvement in the DMRC, FHC was designated in 2007 as a Neighborhood Emergency Help Center that could be activated in the event of a large scale disaster. The CDEP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and is the only federally-chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction training facility in the nation. Additional information about CDP training programs may be found at cdp.dhs.gov.
 Health Center Board Member Completes Detroit Marathon
At the age of 65, Thunder Bay Community Health Service's board member and secretary John Fallot completed his 10th marathon when he joined 18,000 runners competing in the Detroit Marathon on October 19, 2008. "I am so blessed. With good training, I ran about 8 1/2 minutes faster than my first marathon at age 37," said John. He completed the 26.2 mile run in 3 hours, 54 minutes, 19 seconds, finishing 2nd in his age group. This is a true testimony to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
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COMING SOON!
The 2009 Guide to Michigan Community Health Centers and MPCA Members is coming soon! It will be available online at www.mpca.net and via hardcopy. If you would like to have a hardcopy mailed to you, please e-mail Phillip Bergquist, MPCA Communications Specialist, at pbergquist@mpca.net, and include "Directory Request" in the subject line. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and number of directories you would like. |
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