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THE NETWORK INITIATIVE
In reviewing its success in bringing a diverse group together through the Chicago Asthma Initiative, the Board recognized its skill in brokering introductions and creating networks. It was determined that this would be the template for several new initiatives.
- Five such collaboratives have been funded:
- In addition to its network initiatives, The Institute continues its support other grantees:
CHICAGO PATIENT SAFETY FORUM
A renewable grant has been awarded to the Institute of Medicine of Chicago as the fiscal agent for the Chicago Patient Safety Forum. www.chicagopatientsafety.org. The Forum's 350 diverse members are dedicated to reducing medical errors and promoting education and awareness among professionals and patients, alike. The Forum has convened several conferences, hosted work groups concerned with data and research, pediatric safety, pharmaceutical error, examining the protections afforded through the Illinois Medical Studies Act and the feasibility of creating a regional simulator, where providers could learn best practices in a controlled setting. The Simulator Project is now being studied in collaboration with the Chicago Medical Society Foundation.
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MOBILE HEALTH PROVIDERS COALITION
Mobile C.A.R.E. serves as fiscal agent to an Institute developed network of mobile medical units targeting healthcare issues such as asthma, TB, HIV/AIDS, dental services, pediatric patients and other services. While medical specialties differ, common concerns on vehicle design and maintenance, staffing, marketing and outreach provide a basis for sharing and collaboration. Contact:: amiller@mobilecarefoundation.org
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MEDACCESS CHICAGO
The underserved patients using Chicago's free clinics receive care, but frequently cannot afford the medications that are prescribed to sustain or maintain their health. Using the partnership model established between the food industry and community-based organizations, The Institute studied the feasibility of creating a pharmaceutical "bank." CommunityHealth has been awarded a multi-year grant to create a partnership between local healthcare clinics, pharmaceutical companies and the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. MedAccess Chicago will attempt to provide participating clinics with frequently prescribed pharmaceuticals donated to the program. While the challenges are significant, there is precedent for the concept along with real need. Contact:: JHaasis@communityhealth.org
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STAKEHOLDERS COLLABORATION TO IMPROVE STUDENT HEALTH
There are hundreds s of nonprofit health organizations working in Chicago schools. The services, materials and volunteers they provide are important to the health and education of Chicago's children. In a time of diminishing resources, finding ways to enhance the cost-effect delivery of such programs is essential. The Institute has designed the Stakeholders Network to promote collaboration between these nonprofits. Its second objective is to work with leadership of the Chicago Public Schools to coordinate programs with extant school-based clinics and health curricula, avoid duplication and promote enhanced access to the children and families they are mandated to serve. The program is based on a successful pilot conducted in 2003 under the auspices of the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago. This grant continues The Institute's on-going commitment to promoting comprehensive school-based health education. For more information: www.stakeholderschicago.org. Another grant will support the collaboration between the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Department of Public Health to create a new administrative group within the schools headed by the Chief School Health Officer. This senior level position will coordinate health and wellness activities within the system, serve as a liaison between the schools and other public health and education organizations and oversee the federally mandated School Wellness Policy.
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CLOCC - THE CONSORTIUM TO LOWER OBESITY IN CHICAGO CHILDREN
Chicagoans, like others around the globe, are showing alarming increases in obesity and overweight. The costs to individuals, to healthcare systems and to the society at large are significant. Unlike asthma, there are fewer agreed upon "best practices" for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. As the American public has become bombarded with information on this topic, The Institute responded through its creation of CLOCC, the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children. Since the 2002 pilot, The Institute has provided cash and technical assistance to the leadership of this network. Formally launched in January 2003, this initiative has attracted more than 1,300 individual and institutional members. It is widely recognized as the largest grassroots initiative of its type. The group recognizes the complexity of this issue. It goes beyond caloric intake and expenditure to incorporate issues of an active and healthy lifestyle. Members reflect that complexity and include pediatricians; nutritionists; recreation and physical education specialists; urban planners; transportation professionals; community advocates; individuals; food and beverage, exercise, restaurant and vending company representatives; government; and nonprofit representatives. The group recognizes that prevention is currently the best approach and early childhood is the period of life that holds the most promise for this strategy. Its 5-4-3-2-1 Go! messaging will be promoted to Chicagoans beginning in 2007. Now celebrated as a national model, CLOCC is headed by Medical Director, Katherine Kaufer Christoffel, MD MPH and Executive Director, Adam B. Becker, PhD MPH. It is based at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. www.clocc.net With continued support from The Institute and several other foundations, CLOCC has targeted and tailored its programs in 10 different Chicago neighborhoods. An Institute grant to the Sinai Urban Health Institute piloted this neighborhood approach through the creation of CO-OP Humboldt Park. This community-based collaboration now forms the template for CLOCC's newly created community-centered activities.
As a supplement to its direct support to CLOCC, The Institute has supported three other obesity related grants:
- Walk Across Illinois, a motivational program for Chicago Public School students. Contact: rduncan@alamc.org
- Nourish for Knowledge, a supplemental food and nutrition program of The Greater Chicago Food Depository www.gcfd.org
- Residency Training Program designed to develop and test better ways for physicians to diagnose and treat childhood obesity. Contact stahlc@uic.edu
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In addition to its network initiatives, The Institute continues its support other grantees:
PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREPAREDNESS
- Following the bio-terrorism threats facing the nation, in 2001 The Institute responded to the Chicago Department of Public Health's (CDPH) stated concerns for enhanced data systems to better track and coordinate information on health conditions and facilities. This two part grant supported 1) Enhancement to the Population based Epidemiological Surveillance System and 2) Health Systems Tracking and Capacity Enhancement study. Data collected through this project was used to design an enhanced information system now available on the City of Chicago website at www.cityofchicago.org/health/profiles. The program's "data warehouse" has analyzed and made information more readily comparable, so as to construct a more complete picture of Chicago's healthcare environment. Similarly, epidemiological surveys are supplemented with other data to provide individuals, public health officials, aldermen, community groups and policy makers with user friendly information about community health patterns. The Chicago Center for Health Systems Development, Inc. served as fiscal agent for this project. The well used website is maintained and updated by CDPH.
- The personal volunteer involvement of the Sprague Family has been the basis for a longstanding grant relationship with the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. In recent years, the Chapter has prepared English and Spanish language materials and programs on asthma awareness and management; enhancement of a Patient Connector program to assist families in contacting loved-ones, who have been hospitalized after an emergency. Additional information is available from: www.chicagoredcross.org then click Get Help and Patient Connection Program.
- Changes in federal and state programs supporting the healthcare safety net are threatening the continued viability of the community's network of public and private providers. The Institute commissioned The Institute for Healthcare Studies at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine to prepare an assessment of the assets and challenges facing this network with special focus its hub - the Cook County Bureau of Health. The Report and its recommendations may be found at: www.northwestern.edu/ihs.
The Institute's Board will continue to monitor and refine its programs and priorities honoring Mr. Sprague's intent, while being responsive to the City's changing health needs.
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