The High Cost of Doing Nothing

While the current health care debate centers around the ramifications if the proposed health insurance reform proposals becomes law, it begs the questions what will happen if we maintain the status quo.

The Urban Institute took on this challenging question, and their results should serve as a startling wake-up call for those who oppose reforming our health care system. According to their calculations, the number of uninsured Americans would increase to between 57 and 65.7 million by 2019. They see the number of employers offering insurance to decline from 56.1% to less than 50% over the next ten years, and premiums would nearly double over that timeframe. The national cost of providing uncompensated care primarily through overburdened hospitals would increase by between 72 and 128%.

The proposed reform legislation is too complex for simple sound-bite discourse, and many well-informed people disagree on how best to proceed. But it is clear that the costs of doing nothing are too high for our society to bear.

When commenting on the U.S. healthcare system, the late Walter Cronkite once said, “The American healthcare system is not healthy, it’s not caring and it’s not a system.”

Perhaps the time has come for the U.S. to develop a comprehensive system of care in which there are shared costs, shared responsibilities and shared knowledge to promote best practices.

Until that time—and after—CHAP will be available to those who experience barriers to accessing affordable medical and dental care.

Free Vaccines & Immunizations!

On three Saturdays in September CHAP will be offering free vaccines and immunizations.  To participate you just need to bring your yellow vaccine card.  You will also be asked to fill out registration and consent forms prior to receiving the shots. 

On Saturdays September 5 and Septmeber 12 we will be offering vaccines and immunizations to children and teens.  Adult vaccines will be offered on September 26 and include Flu, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots.  These services will be provided from 8:00am-1:00pm at CHAP’s 1855 N. Fair Oaks location. 

If you have any questions about this program please call 626.993.1221

Federal Support for Expansion

Community Health Alliance of Pasadena is among the 228 recipients of federal grant monies awarded by Health Resources Services Administration to community health centers across the country to add or increase mental health/substance abuse, enabling services, oral health or pharmacy services.  The funds will be used to help initialize both behavioral health services and an expanded dispensing pharmacy at the CHAP Health Center Fair Oaks site. 

These additional resources will aid CHAP patients by granting better access to the care they need.  They will be able to get prescriptions filled onsite during a visit; saving patient’s time and allowing providers the ability to better explain how to use the medications patients require. Many CHAP patients have chronic conditions which require regular monitoring.  With the integration of behavioral health services, patients will have access to counseling and educational programs to better help them understand their conditions and manage their health, thus allowing them to take better control of their lives. 

According to Dr. Luis Artavia, CHAP’s Medical Director, more than 30% of CHAP’s patients suffer from diabetes or another chronic illness. “Low-income, chronically ill patients require a significant amount of our limited resources. Increasing their access to behavioral health care and pharmacy services will improve the health of these patients as well as lower the long-term cost of their care,” Dr. Artavia said. At a time when CHAP sees new patients daily due to recent job losses and no longer being covered by employer insurance, these funds are a positive light for the organization and the people it serves.

Remote Area Medical Los Angeles

For over 20 years Knoxville, Tennessee based Remote Area Medical (RAM) has been providing medical, dental and vision care to people in isolated parts of Central and South America. They have since transitioned to provide care in the US as well, and now 60% of their services are performed here. Their primary focus was originally on rural areas where people had little to no access to medical care. This changed on Tuesday when RAM opened its first traveling health clinic in a major urban area, Los Angeles. While they have done expeditions in urban areas before, RAM has never set out on an expedition of this size in such a densely populated area.

The organization is offering free medical, dental and vision care to thousands of Angelinos over the next week at the former home of the Lakers, the Forum, in Inglewood. The services provided include physicals, pap smears, mammograms, chest x-rays, teeth cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, and prescription eye glasses. No proof of income or insurance is necessary. The only thing a person needs is a little patience as the lines have been long. Hundreds of people have camped out on the streets and in parking lots in order to be able to queue up as soon as the gates open before dawn each morning. All services are provided by volunteer medical professions from the greater Los Angeles area. RAM will be in Inglewood everyday through Tuesday, August 18.

Remote Area Medical at the Forum in Inglewood, CA

For those unable to access care at this special event, high quality, affordable primary medical is available at community health centers. CHAP provides medical and dental care to residents of the western San Gabriel Valley. Services are provided on a sliding fee basis, and free care is available to those who qualify. Please call (626) 398-6300 to make an appointment.

To find a community clinic near you, please visit the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County’s website.

California Budget Woes

Due to the economic downturn, more and more people are seeking affordable medical and dental care at CHAP. In the past year, CHAP has seen it volume of medical visit increase by 35% and dental visits by 18%. At a time when we need resources more than ever, the California budget mess is messing with the lives of people who need care.

In the recently adopted budget, the State slashed funding to educate children, care for the elderly and provide medical care to the poor. CHAP is most impacted by the elimination of adult dental coverage under Medi-Cal that will make it difficult for low-income adults to access dental services.

As if the initial cuts weren’t enough, the Governor used his line-item veto power to slice even more funding upon which clinics like CHAP depend. First up was a drastic cut to the Expanded Access to Primary Care (EAPC) program. While CHAP’s allocation was a large portion of its operating budget, it was a vital source of funding for medical care outreach to Pasadena’s homeless adults. The Governor also cut $178.6 million of General Fund support for the Healthy Families program.

While our legislators are challenged to find common ground, one would think they could agree on providing needed medical care to poor children.

And the Chappies go to…

CHAP is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2009 Health Care Action Awards, Mother Love, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and Val Zavala.

Mother Love is a published author, veteran of television sitcoms and radio talk and music shows, film actress, advice columnist and motivational speaker and humorist. She has lost over 100 pounds and has improved her diabetes management through hard choices and healthy lifestyle changes. She speaks to audiences across America on health, love and life issues. She is the 2009 Spokesperson for ADA’s Choose To LIVE! campaign geared towards women of color age 35 and over.

Michael D. Antonovich, a native of Los Angeles County, has served the two million residents of Los Angeles County’s Fifth Supervisorial District. As a government/history teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1966, Ms. Antonovich credits his fifth grade teacher for the inspiration to enter public life and was elected to the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees in 1969. He served in the California State Assembly from 1972 to 1978 and rose to become the Republican Whip.

In 1980, Mr. Antonovich was elected to serve the people of Los Angeles County as a member of the Board of Supervisors. His 29 years on the Board has been characterized by his determined defense of taxpayers and their right to limited and effective government. He has been a stalwart advocate for the vital role played by Southern California community clinics in our regional healthcare system.

Val Zavala is an anchor/reporter for KCET’s weekly newsmagazine, SoCal Connected. She has been at KCET since 1987. For sixteen years Ms. Zavala was a vital part of the award-winning series, Life & Times, serving as an anchor, co-anchor and reporter.

Ms. Zavala came to KCET with six years reporting experience at commercial news stations. She has covered major issues impacting southern California politics, education, health care, environment, demographics and growth. She has also profiled dozens of southern California’s elected officials, activists, artists and thinkers making a difference in our communities. Ms. Zavala gave voice to the diverse Southern California community, creating connections that help to establish a healthy community for all its residents.

The CHAP Health Action awards will be presented at CHAP’s annual gala on May 1, 2009. For information, please call (626) 993-1220.

Seeking Nominees for Community Health Action Award

On Friday evening, May 1, 2009, Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP), will honor those individuals or organizations who have championed the cause for improving health care in the greater Pasadena community. The awards will be presented at the CHAP’s Annual Fundraising Gala which will be held at the Shakespeare Club in Pasadena.

 

Once again, CHAP is reaching out to the community for nominees for these important awards. It is the strength and commitment of these unique individuals and groups that allow CHAP to thrive, providing healthcare to all residents of Los Angeles County regardless of their ability to pay. The 2009 Community Health Action Awards are just one way CHAP is able to thank the community for their support and give back to those who have, in a small way or large, kept accessibility to health care at the forefront.

 

Everyone is encouraged to submit a nominee for this year’s awards. It is CHAP’s intention to be as inclusive as possible. The nominee’s may range from a paramedic who saved someone’s life; a volunteer who has worked tirelessly in the service of health causes; a health care professional that routinely goes “the extra mile”; a local or state level civic or political leader who’s commitment to health care has been a catalyst for ongoing positive change; or even a corporation whose vision towards health has affected employee well-being.

 

Past recipients of the Community Health Action Awards include:

·         Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his statewide health care reform proposal

·         State Senator Jack Scott who has championed the cause for quality health care and education care for all Californians

·         Wilma J. Allen, former Director of the Pasadena Public Health Department and leader of the task force which created the Community Health Alliance of Pasadena 10 years ago

·         The Pasadena Healthcare Consortium, a coalition of member agencies who work together to provide individuals with needed healthcare and social services.

·         Judith Zitter, whose vision and generous spirit helped to make Kaiser Permanente a leading corporate citizen.

 

Community participation in determining the honorees for 2009 is extremely important to CHAP. All nominations must be submitted no later than February 15, 2009. Nominees must reside in, be based in or provide a service that positively impacts greater Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Submitting a nominee to receive a Community Health Action Award is simple by completing the following steps:

1.   Name and Title of nominee

1. Nominee contact information: address, phone, email
2. Describe in 200 word or less why you believe this person should be considered for this award
3. Name of person making nomination
4. Organization and/or relationship to nominee
5. Your contact information: address, phone, email

SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION BY MAIL, FAX OR EMAIL TO:

CHAP, Attention Brian Hayes

1855 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, #200

Pasadena, CA 91103

FAX: (626) 398-5840

Email nominees to:bhayes@chapcare.org

 

What’s So Funny?

There is no doubt that we are experiencing troubling times. People are losing their homes, their jobs and their health insurance. Our country is mired in a conflict with no end in sight. Prices are rising and hope is fading.

If the world has you feeling stressed and depressed, CHAP has a prescription for you: CHAPShtick, our annual comedy event.

An increasing number of studies point to the health benefits of laughter. The act of laughter increases blood flow, oxygenates the bloodstream, exercises the diaphragm and contracts the abs. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine and adrenaline and increase health-enhancing hormones like endorphins. A study by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that adults who responded to stressful situations with laughter were significantly less likely to have suffered from a heart attack. Laughter also creates an emotional connection between people. Surveys have found that marriages between couples who laugh frequently are less likely to end in divorce.

CHAP invites you to join us for our second annual CHAPShtick. The event will feature stand-up comedy, music and a few surprises.

The event will be held on Sunday, November 2, at The Terrace Restaurant, 443 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Please call (626) 993-1221, or e-mail lkim@chapcare.org.

Oral Health Service Expansion

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently announced $39 million in grants to increase and improve medical services at the nation’s community health centers. A total of 168 grants will give existing health centers the funds to add new or increase existing primary care, mental health/substance abuse, oral health or pharmacy services.

CHAP is grateful to have been selected by HRSA to receive an Oral Health Service Expansion grant. Only 50 such grants were awarded nationally, and CHAP was only one of two Los Angeles County clinics to received increased federal funding for oral health.

The grant will provide CHAP with increased funding of $250,000 annually to support the delivery of oral health care to children and adults in the Pasadena area. With this increased revenue, CHAP will increase its service delivery capacity from 4,000 to 6,000 dental visits each year.

The CHAP Dental Clinic is open to children and adults. Service is provided on a sliding fee scale and free care is available to those who qualify.

Prescription Drug Help for Pasadena Patients

Did you realize that 18% of patients who receive prescriptions don’t fill them because of the high cost?

Were you aware that 30% of patients skip or reduce doses to make their prescriptions last longer?

Did you know that help for your patients is available?

On Thursday, September 18, CHAP is pleased to welcome Tom Wood who will share information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. This program, supported by PhRMA, enables financially-challenged patients to receive life-saving medications at a price they can afford.

The open house and presentation will be from 8 am to 9:15 am on Thursday, September 18, at the CHAP Health Center, 1855 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. The event is free and open to the public.

If you wish to attend or would like more information, please call (626) 993-1221.