WHAT
To develop a region that provides accessible, quality, coordinated, community-based health care (including health promotion and disease prevention) that meets the needs of all individuals regardless of economic circumstances.
WHY
To improve the overall health of the community.
To improve the quality of life for individuals.
To lower medical costs for both individuals and the community.
To reduce loss of productivity from employee illness.
To promote more efficient utilization of financial and other resources.
To increase communication about health resources and problems.
To improve access to and consumer use of health resources.
To promote a more efficient, systematic, structured, focused approach to health problems.
WHO should be involved
The health officers/administrators of the twelve-county region
Regional hospital association representatives
Medical association presidents
Pediatric Society presidents
The Dental Society presidents
Emergency medical services representatives
Transportation coordinators
Chambers of commerce
County health councils
A diverse representation of consumers
Volunteer health organizations
United Way agencies
Insurers
Government agencies (Children’s Rehabilitation Services,
Mental Health, Department of Human Resources, etc.)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health
Regional planning commissions
Schools (K-12)
Civic organizations
Who will benefit
Consumers, especially children, indigents and their caregivers
Taxpayers
Employers
Employees
Insurers
Educators
Health care providers
Nonprofit health agencies
HOW
Strategy
Create and support a regional health care council and develop a Health and Wellness Plan that addresses major health issues in the region, creates healthier communities, maximizes existing financial resources for community health, and allocates new resources for health care education and promotion of a healthier lifestyle.
The Health and Wellness Plan should include:
1. A health education curriculum for grades K-12 that teaches exercise, nutrition, personal responsibility, and other basic health information.
2. A community education program outlining available health care resources.
3. A community-based health care delivery system that provides private, confidential, quality care for everyone in the region (e.g. indigent care, mental health, etc.) and includes the use of mobile health units to bring affordable care to places where people live and work (i.e. schools, childcare centers, housing projects, and rural areas).
Action Steps
Region 2020 will convene a Community Health and Wellness Board. The Board will include the Governor, the state health officer, a chief executive officer from the state level, hospital chief executive officers, legislative representatives, and funding resources to endorse the strategy and act as a catalyst for the initiative. The Board will appoint a Steering Committee whose membership will be drawn from the “Who Should Be Involved” list (see above).
The Steering Committee will:
1. Direct initial marketing/promotion to the general community.
2. Develop a process, strategies, and measurable outcomes.
3. Raise funds for the development of the plan.
4. Hire staff to assess needs and resources.
5. Provide direction and oversight to committees and staff in the development of the plan.
6. Develop the Health and Wellness Plan.
Together the Steering Committee and the Community Health and Wellness Board will determine the long-term governance and organizational structure of a regional health care council to implement the Health and Wellness Plan.
Role of Region 2020
To convene the Community Health and Wellness Board.
To assist in the development of a Steering Committee.
To support the initiative and build awareness in the community.
Cost
$550,000 annually, based on the Seattle, Washington and Broward County, Florida initiatives
Further Information
See the Workgroup report for additional information on similar initiatives in other locations.
