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NOVEMBER 2008 ISSUE

Brochure to tell the "Safety Net Story”

Over the last four months, members of the Provider Relations and Advocacy Committee — led by co-chairs Liz Levin, vice president of Charity Care Management at St. Luke’s Health System, and Bridget McCandless, chief executive officer of the Jackson County Free Clinic — have developed a brochure to help the community and interested stakeholders better understand the role of Kansas City area safety net providers, how they are working together to provide health care to the uninsured and what the community can do to help.

The committee worked closely with members of the Safety Net Working Group to gather ideas and input for the final product. Full story>

Kansas City Health Data

On Oct. 6, Jeff Pinkerton, senior researcher at MARC, presented a series of health data indicators to leading Kansas City area health researchers and interested stakeholders. The meeting was organized by staff members for the Center for Health Policy, University of Missouri–Columbia.

Jeff shared charts that illustrate the background demographic data elements of the proposed Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Medically Underserved Area (MUA) formula. Full story>

Metropolitan Kansas City Behavioral Health Gap Assessment

In July 2008, the Metropolitan Mental Health Stakeholders contracted with Health Management Associates (HMA) to complete a gap analysis of behavioral health services in the Kansas City region. HMA has completed a draft set of findings, which will be used to develop a set of recommendations to guide Greater Kansas City in the improvement of behavioral health care in the community. HMA staff will be in Kansas City on Nov. 7 to share their findings and gather further input for the final report. Two meetings, both held at the MARC conference center, will be open to the public. Please RSVP to Traci Rowland if you would like to attend. Lunch will be served at the 11 a.m. meeting. Full story>

• Nov.  7, 2008, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — representatives from behavioral health advocacy organizations, consumers and caregivers
• Nov.  7, 2008 3:45-5 p.m. — other interested stakeholders

Metropolitan Mental Health Stakeholders establish Privatization Committee

The Metropolitan Mental Health Stakeholders group has established a committee to address the potential privatization of Western Missouri Mental Health Center. Western Missouri Mental Health Center provides acute psychiatric inpatient services to children and adults from the surrounding seven Missouri counties. It is currently an agency of the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH). Full story>

Panel of local health leaders answer questions about Kansas City health outcomes

Kansas City Public Television (KCPT), with funding from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, sponsored a second viewing of the PBS Series Unnatural Causes. The show played on KCPT on Thursday nights during the month of October. The final show on Oct. 30 featured a live panel of local health care leaders. Nick Haines moderated the group and fielded questions from the viewers. Full story>

Reforming Health Care

The American Hospital Association, in conjunction with the Kansas and Missouri hospital associations, sponsored a unique and interactive community forum focused on reforming health care on Oct. 14. Bill Bruning, president and CEO of the Mid-America Coalition on Health Care moderated the interactive session between the audience and a panel of distinguished local experts. Full story>

Safety Net Profile: Kansas City Free Health Clinic

The Kansas City Free Health Clinic is a private, not-for-profit organization. It was formed in 1971 to promote health and wellness by providing quality health care services at no charge to people without access to basic care. Kansas City Free Health Clinic serves the community through its main clinic, located in the urban core of Kansas City at 3515 Broadway, and a second clinic on the east side of Kansas City at 5119 E. 24th St. During 2007, the Kansas City Free Health Clinic provided services to over 16,000 people through its clinics and outreach activities. Full story>