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Access to Health Care
This initiative is designed to promote health services among underserved populations.
In October, 2006, Joel Tuzynski wrote Governor Rendell requesting emergency assistance for Erie Healthcare Services (EHS). On 10/30/06, PNC convened a meeting to discuss potential next steps in response to a communicated interest to PNC by Governor Rendell to assist with the development of “bold” solutions.
At this meeting, a two-part plan was developed . Part I of the plan included a comprehensive organizational assessment of EHS partners; Hispanic American Council, John F. Kennedy Center and Martin Luther King Center. Barry Cohen was identified as the consultant for this assessment. This work is complete with the final report for review and consideration.
Part II of the plan was our grant of $65,000 for the health care planning project previously approved by ECF board of trustees. Governor Rendell agreed to match with an additional $65,000 provided through DCED. Preliminary results of this work are included with board materials. A final report will be available in the coming weeks.
Going forward, EHS partners must still negotiate loan repayment with PNC bank. It is hoped select recommendations in the Barry Cohen report will be of assistance. While Bob Wooler is playing a supportive role, resolution of this issue is between PNC and former EHS partners. There is no active ECF involvement in loan negotiations. It is further hoped local health care providers and policymakers will use health care mapping results to develop enhanced and increased access points for the medically underserved in Erie County.
Please do not hesitate to contact me, Mike Batchelor or Amy Cuzzola Kern, Ph.D., with questions or comments.
Second Health Disparities Summit Continued Dialogue
As part of The Erie Community Foundation’s strategic grantmaking, the Foundation is taking a leadership role in addressing health care disparities in our community. To stimulate dialogue and to encourage action for real change, The Erie Community Foundation participates in health disparities summits.
The first summit was held September 22, 2007, where community leaders, healthcare professionals and providers and particularly those in the minority community participated in a two hour conference to discuss issues regarding access to healthcare.
On Saturday, May 10, 2008, a second health disparities summit was held to convey actions that have occurred since the first summit. The second summit served as an opportunity to continue dialogue with those affected by disparities. The event, which was moderated by Andrew J. Glass, M.S., FACHE, Director, Erie County Department of Health, brought together leaders in the field.
County Executive Mark DiVecchio underscored his commitment to eradicating poverty in our community. “There are many reasons why so many people in our community are poor. Lack of job skills, education, and childcare to name a few,” said DiVecchio. “For the next few years, Erie County will focus efforts to deal with these challenges that affect too many in our society.”
At the summit, four speakers presented valuable information, which can be found below. Amy Cuzzola-Kern, Ph.D., vice president of Programs at The Erie Community Foundation, discussed poverty, philanthropy and progress. Patricia Stuber of the NWPA Area Health Education Center focused on the access to care. Reverend Nettie Smith from a PartnerSHIP for a Healthy Community explained community initiatives, and Elaine Stanton of Divine Connections Minority Health Outreach explained the body and soul program.
“Our ultimate goal is to recognize and eliminate disparities in health care,” DiVecchio continued. “By hosting these summits on a semi-annual basis and focusing resources over the next two years, we are dealing with this issue in the serious manner that it deserves.”
Speaker's presentations: