The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69150

Vianca H. Stubbs, MPH, Health Council of South Florida, Inc., 8095 NW 12 Street, Suite 300, Miami, FL 33126, 305-592-1452, vstubbs@healthcouncil.org

A tropical paradise, like the Florida Keys, exudes an aura of tranquility, relaxation, and overall well-being. However, with one in five Florida Keys residents uninsured, affecting nearly 15,000 people, the need for strategic solutions to address the growing challenge of obtaining affordable health care coverage has sparked several coordinated, countywide efforts to address this mounting concern. The presenter will profile recent efforts by community leaders and government officials who have a vested interest in promoting the health and safety of Florida Keys residents. First, the Monroe County Community Health Initiative, a community-driven model involving residents, providers, faith-based organizations, and government officials will be showcased as an illustration of community profiling, engagement of the community in dialogue, and action planning. Secondly, the efforts of the Rural Health Network of the Florida Keys and its Health Insurance Task Force, a coalition of public service agencies, government officials and private entities, to create an insurance plan for small businesses and individuals that would be self-insured will be examined.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• 1) List five sources of quantifiable information for community health profiling;
• 2) Describe the process for engaging the community in dialogue on critical health care issues such as reducing the number of underinsured and uninsured;
• 3) Develop an Action Plan for community health problem-solving within local geographic areas of high priority need; and
• 4) Utilize the Monroe County model as a best practice for health care coverage model development.

Keywords: Universal Health Care, Rural Health Care Delivery System

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Health Council of South Florida, Inc. and Rural Health Network of the Florida Keys
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.