ASTHO-Supported Primary Care and Public Health Collaborative

ASTHO-Supported Primary Care and Public Health Collaborative is a partnership of more than 50 organizations that seeks to inform, align, and support the implementation of integration efforts. This initiative began with the creation of the Primary Care and Public Health Integration Strategic Map, which filled the need for a strategic approach to integration in follow-up to the IOM report Primary Care and Public Health: Exploring Integration to Improve Population Health. For more information on integration efforts visit the website.

Two new editions of CHI’s “Food for Thought”

“Two new editions of “Food for Thought,” the Colorado Health Institute’s synthesis of themes from the July 25 and September 10 Safety Net Advisory Committee (SNAC) Labs focused on the Medicaid ACC Payment Reform Initiative (HB12-1281), and factors including the sustainability of Colorado’s heath care safety net are now available here.”  [Source: Colorado Health Institute]

Benefits Collaborative Oct. 25 Meeting Follow-Up

"Minutes from the October 25th Benefits Collaborative meeting are now posted on the Benefits Collaborative web page. You may listen to an audio recording of the meeting by dialing 1-88-203-1112 and entering the replay code: 313369983.

If you click on the link provide above, you will notice - in the column labeled Handouts - a copy of the Colorado Modified HLD form and minutes from the previous Orthodontic Benefits Collaborative meetings of 2012. We have also posted - to the Listening Log column - two articles Dr. Oesterle sent for the Department's consideration.

If you have any questions, place contact Kimberley.Smith@state.co.us or call (303) 866-3977."  [Source: HCPF]

Colorado Health Access Survey: 2013 Key Findings – Webinar Nov. 13

Join the Colorado Health Institute for a webinar on November 13th, 1:30-2:30pm. They will be presenting key findings from the 2013 Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS). Space is limited. Register Now. For more information about the Colorado Health Access Survey, please visit www.coloradohealthinstitute.org. [Source: Colorado Health Institute]

Colorado’s State Health Innovation Plan Draft for Review by November 15th

“The latest draft of Colorado’s State Health Innovation Plan (SHIP) is now posted on their website and is ready for review.  All comments are due by November 15th to Lorez Meinhold at Lorez.Meinhold@state.co.us.

SHIP lays out a vision for making Colorado the healthiest state in the nation.  As you review, please keep in mind that the plan content has been developed in response to specific requirements from CMS. Accordingly, the sections of each chapter, and the chapters themselves, reflect these requirements. We are not seeking wording or language changes at this time. Instead, please provide high-level content feedback including significant omissions or topics that were not sufficiently addressed; inaccuracies, misstatements or misrepresentations; or other issues or concerns about the contents." [Source: Colorado SIM]

2013 Colorado Health Access Survey Data Released November 5th

“The 2013 Colorado Health Access Survey was released November 5th.  The Colorado Health Access Survey – the CHAS – is the premier source of information on health insurance coverage, access to health care and how health care is used in Colorado. Findings from the 2013 CHAS give a detailed picture of Colorado’s changing health landscape. The data will serve another important function as well – providing a baseline of information to help measure the impact of the Affordable Care Act in Colorado. CHAS data will show how many additional Coloradans obtain health insurance, whether it is affordable and whether having health insurance translates into better access to health care.

High-level findings from the 2013 CHAS:

• 741,000 Coloradoans – one of seven residents – does not have health insurance.
• Hispanic Coloradans are disproportionately uninsured. Approximately 26 percent of the population identifies as Hispanic, but 38.6 percent of the uninsured are Hispanic. (See graph below.)
• Nearly 8 percent of Coloradans said they needed mental health services or counseling services in the 12 months before the survey, but did not get them, with the most frequently cited reasons relating to cost.
• More than one of four young adults between the ages of 19 and 26 do not have health insurance, the highest rate among all age groups.

Visit this page to access more findings from the 2013 CHAS.”  [Source:  The Colorado Trust]

November is National Diabetes Month and NDEP Webinar on Nov. 12

“In observance of National Diabetes Month 2013, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) and its partners are reminding people that Diabetes is a Family Affair.

Diabetes is a challenging disease that affects the entire family in many ways. For people living with diabetes and their loved ones, family support is very important when it comes to managing diabetes and preventing serious health problems. It’s also important to know that having a family history of diabetes – such as a mother, father, brother, or sister with diabetes – increases a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Looking for ideas and materials? NDEP has many ready-to-use resources you can use to promote National Diabetes Month in your community – such as press releases, articles, web buttons, social media messages, and more – available at YourDiabetesInfo.org/DiabetesMonth2013.

NDEP is also hosting a webinar on Tuesday, November 12, from 12:00-1:00pm. This webinar is about “Using Plain Language to Make Diabetes Messages Clear and Simple,” featuring Wendy Mettger, M.A., President of Mettger Communications.  Click here to register and for more information.”  [Source: COPrevent]