Consumer Health Foundation is a young “health conversion” foundation in metropolitan Washington, D.C. It has provided over $2.0 million in grants to community-based groups through its “improving access to care” initiative that emphasizes consumer education/empowerment, as well as advocacy aimed at reforming institutional policies and programs that inhibit access to quality health care. CHF has opened pathways for empowering some of the area’s most vulnerable consumers to access critical services and managed care, (e.g., Medicaid parents, mental health consumers, low-income seniors, teens, low-income parents of special needs children, recent immigrants). In helping to create a consumer- and community-based advocacy infrastructure, foundation-supported projects address issues like the provision of quality long-term care for low and moderate income residents; the creation of a health-related, consumer assistance/ ”ombuds” program; and expanded health coverage for children and adults. CHF also is engaged in building strategic alliances to promote community health and in strengthening the internal capacity of its grantees. Health care conversion foundations have the potential to be key partners in promoting community wellness. Drawing upon the CHF’s work in the DC metropolitan area, this presentation concentrates on the roles local foundations can play in promoting the work of non-profit community-based organizations and alliances working to improve access to health care. Special emphasis is placed on work involving the most vulnerable members of the community and addressing the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in health status. The presentation will also offer practical suggestions on how local groups can engage local foundations in this process.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Understand and articulate the potential, multi-faceted roles local foundations -- particularly health conversion foundations -- can play in working with community-based health organizations, alliances, and other activists in improving access to health care; 2. Recognize the range of resources that local foundations can offer to those engaged in improving access to care and promoting community wellness; 3. Recognize which of these local foundation roles and resources will advance the work participants are trying to accomplish in their respective communities; 4. Develop strategies for effectively engaging local foundations in their communities in the process of supporting and promoting community wellness
Keywords: Access to Care, Community Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Part of this presentation will draw upon the philanthropic work of the Consumer Health Foundation, of which I am the chief executive officer