| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A |
: ELLIS HOSPITAL (D/B/A ELLIS MEDICINE), THE SOLE PROVIDER OF ACUTE HOSPITAL CARE IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY, IS A VOLUNTARY, NOT-FOR-PROFIT, COMMUNITY AND TEACHING HOSPITAL WITH MORE THAN 400 LICENSED BEDS BETWEEN TWO INPATIENT CAMPUSES (ELLIS HOSPITAL AND BELLEVUE WOMAN'S CENTER), INCLUDING 52 INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH BEDS (SEE ITEM 4B BELOW). ELLIS ALSO OPERATES SEVERAL PRIMARY CARE AND OUTPATIENT SITES, INCLUDING TWO OUTPATIENT CAMPUSES (MCCLELLAN STREET HEALTH CENTER IN THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY AND MEDICAL CENTER OF CLIFTON PARK IN SOUTHERN SARATOGA COUNTY) AND AN OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY (STATE STREET HEALTH CENTER). HEALTH CARE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED UNDER A SINGLE CORPORATE TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN) AND A SINGLE OPERATING CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE HOSPITAL'S PRIMARY REGULATOR. THE HOSPITAL IS OVERSEEN BY A VOLUNTEER BOARD OF TRUSTEES DRAWN FROM THE COMMUNITY AND THE MEDICAL STAFF, INCLUDING THREE PHYSICIAN TRUSTEES. WITH THE MISSION TO "MEET THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY WITH EXCELLENCE," ELLIS BALANCES STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED MEDICAL PROCEDURES WITH A 135-YEAR TRADITION OF COMMUNITY-BASED CARING AND A FIRM COMMITMENT TO QUALITY. ELLIS COUNTED 10,174 MEDICAL/SURGICAL INPATIENT DISCHARGES FROM THE ELLIS HOSPITAL (NOTT STREET) INPATIENT FACILITY, PERFORMED 6,508 AMBULATORY (OUTPATIENT) PROCEDURES, AND HANDLED 284,579 "REFERRED AMBULATORY VISITS" (E.G., LABORATORY TESTS, MEDICAL IMAGING) AT ALL LOCATIONS DURING 2020. IN 2020, ELLIS PROVIDED $8,651,834 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (CHARITY CARE) ON A "CHARGE" BASIS, TRANSLATING TO A "COST" BASIS OF $3,100,036. ELLIS HAS EARNED NUMEROUS RECOGNITIONS FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. IN JUNE 2020, THE ELLIS HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ACHIEVED CERTIFICATION AS A CERTIFIED AUTISM CENTER, THE FIRST HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN THE NATION TO EARN THAT DESIGNATION GRANTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF CREDENTIALING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION STANDARDS (IBCCES). ELLIS WAS A NEW YORK STATE DESIGNATED STROKE CENTER, AND WAS THE FIRST HOSPITAL IN NEW YORK STATE TO RECEIVE THE AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION'S (ASA) PERFORMANCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR STROKE. THE ELLIS STROKE CENTER HAS BEEN A RECIPIENT OF THE GOLD/GOLD PLUS AWARD, RECOGNIZED FOR USING THE ASA'S "GET WITH THE GUIDELINES" PROGRAM FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF CARE AND PATIENT OUTCOMES. THE HOSPITAL'S BARIATRIC PROGRAM WAS AN ACCREDITED BARIATRIC SURGERY CENTER BY THE METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (MBSAQIP) OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS AND THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY. ADDITIONALLY, THE SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER WAS ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE; THE BELANGER SCHOOL OF NURSING WAS ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR NURSING ACCREDITING COMMISSION; THE FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY WAS ACCREDITED BY BOTH THE ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND THE AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION; ELLIS PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES HAVE ACHIEVED NATIONAL COMMISSION ON QUALITY ASSURANCE (NCQA) "PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME" (PCMH) RECOGNITION; AND CERTAIN PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES PARTICIPATED IN THE FEDERAL CMS "CPC+" QUALITY PROGRAM. ELLIS HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (AHA) AS A "FIT-FRIENDLY WORKSITE AND RECEIVED THE AHA'S "INNOVATION AWARD" FOR PRESENTING A UNIQUE PROGRAM OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS TO EMPLOYEES. ELLIS HAS BEEN AWARDED BLUE DISTINCTION CENTER DESIGNATION BY BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD FOR CARDIAC CARE, BARIATRIC CARE, KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENT, AND MATERNITY CARE. ELLIS WAS ALSO A PARTNERS IN PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE GOLD BALDRIGE AWARD WINNER, RECOGNIZED FOR ITS DEDICATION AND WORK TO CREATE A CULTURE AND SYSTEMS WHERE INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE BECOME THE ACCEPTED NORM. ELLIS HAS ALSO BEEN HONORED WITH THE FIVE RINGS AWARD BY INTELLICENTRICS, INC. FOR EXCELLENCE IN VENDOR CREDENTIALING AND CREATING A CULTURE OF VIGILANCE TO MAKE HOSPITALS SAFER FOR EMPLOYEES AND PATIENTS. THE ELLIS HOSPITAL COVID CARE TEAM RECEIVED THE "GOOD NEWS" AWARD FROM THE CHAMBER OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY FOR THEIR HEROIC ACTIONS IN 2020 DURING THE PANDEMIC. DURING RECENT YEARS, ELLIS HAS RECEIVED OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS FROM THE CHAMBER OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY ("CORPORATION OF THE YEAR"), THE CITY MISSION OF SCHENECTADY ("PARTNERS AWARD," SPECIFICALLY RECOGNIZING THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICES FOR THE UNDERSERVED), THE SCHENECTADY ARC ("EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR," RECOGNIZING THE HOSPITAL FOR PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT, WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE, TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES), THE SIGHT SOCIETY OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK ("HOSPITAL OF THE YEAR" FOR COMMITMENT AND COMPASSION TO GRIEVING FAMILIES ALONG WITH OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND BEST PRACTICES TO FACILITATE CORNEA DONATIONS), THE GOOSE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ("COMMUNITY AWARD" FOR BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND PROACTIVE COMMUNICATOR), AND THE SEVENTH NATIONAL LEARNING CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ("SILVER MEDAL" FOR ORGAN DONATION). ELLIS OPERATES A STATE-OF-THE-ART EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT ELLIS HOSPITAL ON NOTT STREET WHICH TREATED 51,262 PATIENT VISITS IN 2020 (OF WHICH 9,716 (19%) WERE ADMITTED FOR INPATIENT CARE); THE BELLEVUE WOMAN'S CENTER WHICH DISCHARGED 1,863 NEWBORN BABIES IN 2020 (SEE LINE 4D); PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES (IN SCHENECTADY, GLENVILLE, AND CLIFTON PARK) AND NUMEROUS SPECIALTY MEDICAL SERVICES THROUGH THE ELLIS MEDICAL GROUP (EMG); A FULL-SERVICE DENTAL CLINIC INCLUDING ADULT AND PEDIATRIC DENTAL SURGERY; AN 82-BED SKILLED NURSING FACILITY AND SHORT-STAY REHABILITATION FACILITY (SEE LINE 4C); TWO STAND-ALONE OFF-SITE BLOOD DRAW STATIONS; A BARIATRIC CARE LOCATION; A SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER; A WOUND CARE CENTER; A FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY INCLUDING AN OSTEOPATHIC RESIDENCY; A GENERAL DENTAL RESIDENCY; AND A SCHOOL OF NURSING. MEDICAL AND DENTAL RESIDENTS ENROLLED IN THE FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY AND THE GENERAL DENTAL RESIDENCY PROVIDE PRIMARY MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE TO PATIENTS, THE MAJORITY OF WHOM ARE UNINSURED OR ARE PARTICIPANTS IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS SUCH AS MEDICAID AND CHILD HEALTH PLUS, THROUGH THREE CLINICS LOCATED AT THE ELLIS MCCLELLAN STREET HEALTH CENTER: THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER, THE PEDIATRIC HEALTH CENTER, AND THE DENTAL HEALTH CENTER. ELLIS OPERATES THE MEDICAL CENTER OF CLIFTON PARK (MCCP), THE ONLY 24/7 EMERGENT CARE FACILITY LOCATED IN SOUTHERN SARATOGA COUNTY, ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING COMMUNITIES IN NEW YORK STATE. MCCP IS ALSO THE LOCATION FOR A PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE AND SEVERAL SPECIALTY PRACTICES. ELLIS OPENED A COMBINED URGENT CARE, PRIMARY CARE, AND LABORATORY FACILITY ON THE BUS LINE AT THE MOHAWK HARBOR DEVELOPMENT IN SCHENECTADY. WITH THE URGENT CARE COMPONENT OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, THE FACILITY OFFERS SCHENECTADY RESIDENTS (AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES OF THE DEVELOPMENT'S BUSINESSES, AND VISITORS TO ITS CASINO AND HOTELS), A CONVENIENT AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE "ONE-STOP ALTERNATIVE TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR URGENT, BUT NON-EMERGENCY, HEALTH CARE NEEDS. URGENT AND EMERGENT CARE VISITS TO THE MCCP AND MOHAWK HARBOR LOCATIONS TOTALED 32,072 DURING 2020. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, CONTINUED |
ELLIS SERVES THE COMMUNITY BY ADDRESSING IDENTIFIED HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES; INCLUDING ACCESS TO CARE, AND PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES; THROUGH A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS. IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS INCLUDES SUCH MECHANISMS AS THE FEDERALLY REQUIRED COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITH ITS IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY (SEE SCHEDULE H) AND THE STATE-MANDATED TRIENNIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PLAN. THESE PLANS ARE BUILT COLLABORATIVELY THROUGH REGIONAL AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. ON A REGIONAL BASIS, ELLIS IS A MEMBER OF THE HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE (HCDI) A STATE-FUNDED HEALTH DATA COLLECTION AND PLANNING ENTITY WHICH BRINGS TOGETHER THE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITALS, FQHCS, AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT INSURERS IN THE SIX-COUNTY CAPITAL REGION. IN 2013, 2016, AND 2019, HCDI CONDUCTED REGIONAL INFORMATION-GATHERING EXERCISES TO PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS (CHNA) OF ITS MEMBER NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOSPITALS. THESE ARE AVAILABLE HERE HTTP://WWW.ELLISMEDICINE.ORG/PAGES/COMMUNITY-REPORT.ASPX AND THEY ARE FURTHER DESCRIBED IN SCHEDULE H. ON A COMMUNITY COLLABORATION BASIS, ELLIS PARTNERS WITH SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES (SCPHS), INCLUDING JOINT GRANT APPLICATIONS AND JOINT NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS. THIS INCLUDES THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH (SAH), A COUNTY-LED, FEDERALLY-DESIGNATED AND FEDERALLY-FUNDED COLLABORATIVE FOCUSED ON PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASE AND PROMOTING COMMUNITY HEALTH. ELLIS ALSO PROVIDES CO-LEADERSHIP, MEETING SPACE, AND RESOURCES FOR THE SCHENECTADY COALITION FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY (SCHC), A COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE OF ABOUT 60 HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. SCHC TYPICALLY MEETS QUARTERLY TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS AND TO MONITOR PROGRESS ON ELLIS' IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY. DURING 2020, MOST SCHC MEETINGS WERE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B |
ELLIS OPERATES A 52-BED INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH UNIT, ALONG WITH DEDICATED OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. THIS IS THE ONLY INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY, AND IS ONE OF ONLY TWO INPATIENT UNITS IN A 16-COUNTY REGION PROVIDING SERVICES TO ADOLESCENTS. ELLIS' MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDE: INPATIENT CARE FOR ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS; OUTPATIENT CHILD, ADOLESCENT, AND ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES; CRISIS INTERVENTION, INCLUDING A 24-HOUR CRISIS INFORMATION HOTLINE; A PEER ADVOCACY PROGRAM; AND A SUPPORT AND EDUCATION GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH MAJOR DISORDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE "LIVING ROOM," A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DIVERSION PROGRAM OPERATED FROM THE STATE STREET HEALTH CENTER, PROVIDES PATIENTS WITH AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. ELLIS HAS RECEIVED A GRANT FROM THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY DRUG COURT TO PROVIDE ENHANCED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO LOW-LEVEL OFFENDERS REFERRED BY THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, AND A CONTRACT WITH THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY TO PROVIDE POST-INCARCERATION SUPPORT SERVICES, BOTH INCLUDING PEER SERVICES. THE ELLIS STATE STREET HEALTH CENTER, WHICH HOUSES THE OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC AND A PERSONALIZED RECOVERY ORIENTED SERVICES (PROS) SERVICE, WAS OPENED IN 2017. THIS NOT ONLY INCREASED THE SIZE AND IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF FACILITIES FOR ADULT OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH; IT ALSO HAS BECOME PART OF AN INFORMAL "MEDICAL VILLAGE," WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY, A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER (FQHC), ANOTHER LARGE COMMUNITY PRIMARY CARE CLINIC, AND A PHARMACY ALL LOCATED WITHIN ONE CITY BLOCK. IN 2020, THE ELLIS MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS HAD 1,176 INPATIENT DISCHARGES AND 43,270 OUTPATIENT VISITS. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C |
THE ELLIS RESIDENTIAL AND REHABILITATION CENTER (ERRC), AN 82-BED LONG-TERM SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (SNF) AND SHORT-STAY REHABILITATION FACILITY, HAS BEEN PROVIDING LONG TERM NURSING CARE SINCE 1989 AND SHORT STAY REHABILITATION SERVICES SINCE 2001. SPECIALIZING IN MEDICALLY COMPLEX CASES, ERRC OPERATES FROM ITS RENOVATED FACILITY ON THE ELLIS MCCLELLAN STREET HEALTH CENTER CAMPUS. THE FACILITY PROVIDES RESIDENTS WITH PRIVATE ROOMS AND SUCH AMENITIES AS A CYBER-CENTER, A HAIR SALON, AND A ROOF-TOP GARDEN. RESIDENT DAYS FOR 2020 WERE 27,166. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B |
LINE 11A EXPLANATION - A COPY OF THE ELLIS HOSPITAL'S 990 WAS PREPARED AND SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. AFTER CFO REVIEW WAS COMPLETED, THE FORM 990 WAS SENT TO EACH MEMBER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW. AFTER REVIEW BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, A COPY OF THE FORM 990, INCLUDING ALL REQUIRED SCHEDULES, AS ULTIMATELY FILED WITH THE IRS, WAS GIVEN TO EACH VOTING MEMBER OF ELLIS' BOARD OF TRUSTEES, PRIOR TO ITS FILING WITH THE IRS. AFTER REVIEW BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, APPROVAL IS GIVEN FOR FILING THE RETURN WITH THE IRS. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C |
ELLIS HOSPITAL'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY APPLIES TO ALL HOSPITAL TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, MEDICAL/DENTAL STAFF MEMBERS, DIRECTORS, MANAGERS, APPOINTEES WITH ADMINISTRATIVE AND/OR DECISION-MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES, VOLUNTEERS OR ANY OF THESE PARTIES' IMMEDIATE FAMILIES (COLLECTIVELY CALLED HOSPITAL AGENTS). THE ELLIS HOSPITAL CORPORATE BYLAWS REQUIRE HOSPITAL AGENTS AND OTHER SELECTED INDIVIDUALS AS IDENTIFIED BY THE VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES AND THE CORPORATE COMPLIANCE OFFICER/DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AUDIT (CCO), TO FILE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE STATEMENT WITH THE HOSPITAL ON A ANNUAL BASIS. WHEN THE STATEMENTS ARE COMPLETED THEY ARE RETURNED TO THE CCO. UPON RECEIPT, THE CCO WILL REVIEW THE DISCLOSURE AND, IF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT IS DISCLOSED, WILL MEET WITH THE HOSPITAL AGENT AND/OR HIS/HER APPROPRIATE SUPERVISOR TO DISCUSS THE DISCLOSURE AND NEED FOR ACTION IF ANY. ALL STATEMENTS FOR TRUSTEES ARE ALSO REVIEWED BY THE CCO, AND IF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT HAS BEEN DISCLOSED, HE/SHE WILL MEET WITH THE BOARD CHAIRPERSON TO DISCUSS THE DISCLOSURE AND NEED FOR ACTION, IF ANY. ALL POTENTIAL CONFLICTS INVOLVING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL BE SUMMARIZED BY THE CCO AND REPORTED TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD. THIS COMMITTEE WILL THEN SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE BOARD CHAIRPERSON. WHEN A POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL CONFLICT EXISTS, AN INTERESTED PERSON MAY MAKE A PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD OR AT A COMMITTEE MEETING, BUT AFTER SUCH PRESENTATION, HE/SHE SHALL LEAVE THE MEETING DURING THE DISCUSSION OF, AND THE VOTE UPON, THE TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT THAT COULD CONSTITUTE THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST. THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHALL DETERMINE BY A MAJORITY VOTE WHETHER THE TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT IS IN THE HOSPITAL'S BEST INTEREST. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 |
THE CURRENT EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN IS IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH ALL EXISTING RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO A 501(C) CORPORATION. THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF EACH PLAN: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN-THE PRESIDENT, AND ALL OTHER SENIOR EXECUTIVIES ARE GOVERNED BY OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN IS ADMINISTERED ALSO BY THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. ALL PAYMENTS FROM THIS PROGRAM ARE BASED ON AUDITED RESULTS AND REVIEWED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRIOR TO ANY PAYMENTS BEING MADE. THE REVIEW OF THE COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS AND GATHERING OF COMPARABILITY DATA IN DETERMINING THE REASONABLENESS OF COMPENSATION FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN TREASURY REGULATION SECTION 53.4958-6. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 |
CORPORATE COMPLIANCE POLICIES (INCLUDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY) AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC VIA POSTING ON THE ELLIS HOSPITAL WEBSITE: WWW.ELLISMEDICINE.ORG. IN ADDITION, THESE DOCUMENTS AND GOVERNING DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. |
| FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: |
CHANGE IN INTEREST IN FOUNDATION 4,871,715. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT RELATED CHANGES 3,726,439. YANKEE ALLIANCE TAX INCOME -4,194,503. ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH CARE 131,238. VISITING NURSE SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF SCHENECTADY -700,791. INCOME TAX BENEFIT -102,586. OTHER COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST -171,270. |
| FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C |
THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 4 |
SCHENECTADY COUNTY WAS DIRECTLY SERVED BY ONE NEW YORK STATE-DESIGNATED DSRIP PERFORMING PROVIDER SYSTEM (PPS), THE ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH (AFBH), AND IS ADJACENT TO THE SERVICE AREA OF THE ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER PPS. SCHENECTADY COUNTY CITY OF SCHENECTADY NEW YORK STATE POPULATION 155,299 (2019) 65,273 (2019) 19,453,561 (2019) PERSONS PER SQUARE MILE 756.6 (2010) 6,135.5 (2010) 411.2 (2010) PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS 21.6% (2019) 20.2% (2019) 20.7% (2019) PERSONS 65 YEARS AND OVER 17.3% (2019) 13.8% (2019) 16.9% (2019) WHITE ALONE 72.5% (2019) 52.5% (2019) 56.3% (2019) HISPANIC OR LATINO 7.4% (2019) 10.8% (2019) 19.3% (2019) BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN ALONE 12.7% (2019) 20.2% (2019) 17.6% (2019) BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR + (AGE 25+) 30.1% (2015-19) 21.8% (2015-19) 36.6% (2015-19) MEDIAN VALUE, OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING $169,000 (2015-19) $108,700 (2015-19) $313,700 (2015-19) MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $65,499 (2015-19) $45,438 (2015-19) $68,486 (2015-19) PERSONS IN POVERTY 12.1% (2019) 19.4% (2019) 13.0% (2019) FIGURE 1: SCHENECTADY COUNTY, CITY, AND STATE DEMOGRAPHICS (SOURCE: US CENSUS BUREAU, STATE AND COUNTY QUICKFACTS, AS ACCESSED JULY 7, 2021) RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY ARE GENERALLY LESS AFFLUENT AND LESS HEALTHY THAN RESIDENTS OF THE SURROUNDING TOWNS, WHILE RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY AS A WHOLE ARE LESS AFFLUENT THAN THE STATE AS A WHOLE; HOWEVER THE COUNTY'S POVERTY RATE IS BELOW THAT OF THE STATE (SEE FIGURE 1). FOR EXAMPLE, THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR THE CITY IS ONLY ABOUT TWO-THIRDS THAT OF THE COUNTY AS A WHOLE WHICH, IN TURN, IS BELOW THAT OF THE STATE. THE POVERTY RATE IN THE CITY IS NEARLY 40% HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE COUNTY AS A WHOLE. SCHENECTADY COUNTY NEW YORK STATE ADULTS 18-64 WITH HEALTH INSURANCE (2016) 91.8% 88.6% ADULTS WITH REGULAR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER (AGE-ADJUSTED, 2016) 84.6% 83.4% ADULTS WHO VISITED DENTIST W/IN 1 YEAR (AGE-ADJUSTED, 2013-14) 69.7% 69.3% MENTAL DISEASE/DISORDER PRIMARY DX ED VISIT RATE PER 10,000 (AGE-ADJUSTED 2014-16) 235.8 185.4 FIGURE 2: SCHENECTADY COUNTY INSURANCE, PROVIDER, AND DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION (SOURCE: HCDI, 2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFILE) STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DATA (2008-09) SHOW THAT HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR CONDITIONS WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN TREATED IN THE COMMUNITY ("PREVENTION QUALITY INDICATORS") RANGE AS HIGH AS 202% OF THE EXPECTED RATE IN CERTAIN CITY NEIGHBORHOODS, BUT ARE AS LOW AS 49% OF THE EXPECTED RATE IN THE RURAL TOWNS. IN ONE DRAMATIC DISPARITY CONFIRMED BY MORE RECENT (2012-16) SPARCS HOSPITAL DISCHARGE DATA, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS FOR ASTHMA RANGE FROM 229.3/10,000 IN THE CITY'S HAMILTON HILL NEIGHBORHOOD (12307) TO 24.5/10,000 IN THE NEARBY SUBURB OF NISKAYUNA (12309). A SIGNIFICANT MINORITY POPULATION IN THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY IS COMPRISED OF GUYANESE OF WEST INDIAN DESCENT. THE RESULT OF SECONDARY MIGRATION FROM NEW YORK CITY PROMOTED BY A PREVIOUS MAYOR ALONG WITH PRIMARY MIGRATION FROM GUYANA, THE INFLUX IS CREDITED WITH REVERSING YEARS OF POPULATION DECLINE IN THE CITY. SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES LED MULTIPLE INITIATIVES TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS HEALTH DISPARITIES RELATING TO THE WEST INDIAN POPULATION. RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY PHYSICIANS AT ELLIS MEDICINE REVEALED SPECIFIC HEALTH ISSUES REGARDING THE WEST INDIAN POPULATION. IN PARTICULAR, THE UNEXPECTED PREVALENCE OF DIABETES AMONG NON-OBESE GUYANESE MALES IS THE SUBJECT OF JOURNAL ARTICLES (SEE FOR EXAMPLE: HOSLER, PRATT, SEN, BUCKENMEYER, SIMAO, BACK, SAVADATTI, KAHN, HUNT, "HIGH PREVALENCE OF DIABETES AMONG INDO-GUYANESE ADULTS, SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK," PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASE 2013; 10:120211) AND HELPED LEAD TO AWARDING OF A FEDERAL RACIAL AND ETHNIC APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH (REACH) GRANT TO SCPHS IN 2010. THE INITIAL PLANNING STAGE OF THE REACH GRANT FUNDED AN EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY SURVEY OF DIABETES PREVALENCE, PILOT TRAINING OF A DOZEN INDIGENOUS DIABETES HEALTH PROMOTERS, AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIABETES PREVENTION EDUCATION PROGRAM, AND A DIABETES HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK WEST INDIAN RESIDENTS. THE WEST INDIAN DIABETES ACTION COALITION UTILIZED A MAPP PROCESS TO DEVELOP A COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN (CAP). UNFORTUNATELY, SHIFTING PRIORITIES AT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) ENDED FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT BEFORE ITS IMPLEMENTATION PHASE. IN 2014, SCPHS WAS AWARDED A "PARTNERSHIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH" (PICH) GRANT, FUNDED BY THE CDC. ONE OF THE GOALS OF THIS GRANT IS TO INCREASE SCREENING RATES FOR TYPE-2 DIABETES IN THE WEST INDIAN POPULATION THAT ARE SEEN AT ELLIS FAMILY HEALTH CENTER, AN ELLIS MEDICINE PRIMARY CARE SITE. OVERALL, SCHENECTADY COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE SLIGHTLY MORE LIKELY THAN THE AVERAGE NEW YORK STATE RESIDENT TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, TO SEE A DOCTOR, AND TO SEE A DENTIST; AND SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LIKELY TO VISIT AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE (SEE FIGURE 2). THE VAST MAJORITY OF PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE AND DENTAL CARE FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS IS PROVIDED BY THE HOMETOWN HEALTH FQHC AND THE COMMUNITY PRACTICES OF THE ELLIS MEDICAL GROUP. BOTH HAVE ACHIEVED RECOGNITION BY THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE (NCQA) AS PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOMES (PCMH). |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 5 |
MARCH 7, 2019 TOPICS: DAY ONE OF CHNA/CHIP PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE: WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS LISA AYERS, BACKGROUND ON THE CHNA/CHIP PROCESS DAVE SMINGLER, INTRODUCTION TO THE PREVENTION AGENDA AND THE RANKING METHODOLOGY KEVIN JOBIN-DAVIS; STRUCTURED REVIEW (APPROX. 10 MINUTES EACH) OF EACH PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE (X 14 ISSUES SEE OVER): CURRENT AND HISTORICAL DATA MIKE MEDVESKY: 1) RANKING, 2) NUMBER, 3) RATE, 4) TREND, 5) DISPARITY, 6) COMMENTS; GROUP DISCUSSION KEVIN JOBIN-DAVIS: 1) DOES ANYTHING ESPECIALLY STAND OUT ABOUT THIS ISSUE? DO YOU HAVE NEWER DATA OR RECENT EXPERIENCE SUGGESTING DIFFERENT RESULTS?, 2) HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ISSUE TO THE COMMUNITY? (UNIMPORTANT/NEUTRAL/IMPORTANT), CONCLUSION AND PREPARATION FOR DAY TWO NATALIE PREHODA, JORDYN WARTTS ATTENDEES: HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, ELLIS MEDICINE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, ELLIS MEDICINE, ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH, CAPITAL REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOHAWK-HUDSON, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN, CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO FREE COMMUNITIES, ST. PETERS HEALTH PARTNERS, SUNNYVIEW REHABILITATION HOSPITAL, HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, CENTRO CIVICO MARCH 14, 2019 TOPICS: DAY TWO OF CHNA/CHIP PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE: WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS LISA AYERS, REPORT OF SIENA SURVEY RESULTS JOHN LAKE, REVIEW OF PROCESS AND GOALS NATALIE AND DAVE; STRUCTURED DISCUSSION (APPROX. 10 MINUTES EACH) OF EACH PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE (X 14 ISSUES SEE OVER): MIKE, JOHN, NATALIE, AND DAVE: 1) VERY BRIEF DATA SUMMARY, 2) EVIDENCE-BASED OPPORTUNITIES/SOLUTIONS, 3) CURRENTLY AVAILABLE SERVICES/SOLUTIONS, 4) "PITCHES" FROM ISSUE ADVOCATES, 5) OPEN DISCUSSION SURPRISES, UNKNOWNS, MISSING INFO, CONNECTIONS; "DOT-MOCRACY" PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE NATALIE AND DAVE: 1) GROUP SELECTION DOTS FOR TOP THREE PRIORITIES, 2) OPEN DISCUSSION OF RESULTS, 3) POTENTIAL ITERATIVE GROUP SELECTION COMBINATIONS, PERMUTATIONS, DELETIONS; CLOSING DISCUSSION AND THANK YOU LISA AYERS ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, ELLIS MEDICINE, CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN, ST. PETERS HEALTH PARTNERS, CAPITAL ROOTS, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY, SCHENECTADY INNER CITY MINISTRY, PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOHAWK-HUDSON, CAPITAL REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, CAPITAL DISTRICT CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE, ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH, CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO FREE COMMUNITIES, BETHESDA HOUSE, SCHENECTADY CITY MISSION, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, SUNNYVIEW REHABILITATION HOSPITAL, HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS, HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE MARCH 22, 2019 TOPICS: TRAUMA-INFORMED WORK GROUP GENERAL DISCUSSION ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, ST. MARY'S HEALTHCARE AMSTERDAM, 845 COMMONS RESIDENCE, VICTIMS ADVOCACY SERVICE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOHAWK-HUDSON, CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA, ELLIS MEDICINE, ST. PETERS HEALTH PARTNERS (ST. PETERS ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTER), SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, CENTRO CIVICO, SAFE INC., CONCERNED CITIZEN APRIL 18, 2019 TOPICS: PAX GOOD BEHAVIOR GAME SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH PROMOTION, VALE URBAN FARM HEALTHY NUTRITION IN A LOW-INCOME URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD, CHNA/CHIP REPORT AND NEXT STEPS: 1) REVIEW OF NYSDOH PREVENTION AGENDA-ENDORSED INTERVENTIONS, 2) DISCUSS IMPLEMENTATION VIA EXISTING GROUPS/COMMITTEES: A) CHRONIC DISEASE TOBACCO-FREE COMMUNITIES, B) WELLNESS TRAUMA-INFORMED COMMUNITY WORK GROUP, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PREVENTION COALITION, ET AL, 3) IMPLEMENTATION/ACTION STEPS; PARTNER UPDATES ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS, CAPITAL ROOTS, CANCER PREVENTION IN ACTION, VALE URBAN FARM, HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, BETHESDA HOUSE, FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA FOUNDATION, CAPITAL REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ST. PETERS HEALTH PARTNERS, HARRIS BRAND RECRUITING, CANCER PREVENTION IN ACTION, SUNNYVIEW REHABILITATION HOSPITAL, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, ELLIS MEDICINE, CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN, CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO FREE COMMUNITIES, SUNY SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY APRIL 26, 2019 TOPICS: TRAUMA-INFORMED WORK GROUP GENERAL DISCUSSION ATTENDEES: NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, BETHESDA HOUSE, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, VICTIMS ADVOCACY SERVICE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD-MOHAWK HUDSON, SUNY SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, ST. MARY'S HEALTHCARE AMSTERDAM, CENTRO CIVICO PROJECT NEEDLE SMART, HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, MURRAY AND ZUCKERMAN INC., ELLIS MEDICINE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE MAY 24, 2019 TOPICS: TRAUMA-INFORMED WORK GROUP PRESENTATION ON "GETTING AHEAD IN A JUST GETTING BY WORLD" ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, ELLIS MEDICINE, HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, YWCA, SUNY SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, VICTIMS ADVOCACY SERVICE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOHAWK-HUDSON, SAFE INC. OF SCHENECTADY, BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE, CENTRO CIVICO JUNE 10, 2019 TOPICS: SCHENECTADY CHNA/CHIP/CSP PLANNING MEETING ATTENDEES: HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, ELLIS HOSPITAL, ST. PETER'S HEALTH PARTNERS, MVP HEALTHCARE JUNE 28, 2019 TOPICS: TRAUMA-INFORMED WORK GROUP NYS TRAUMA-INFORMED NETWORK, TRAUMA-INFORMED WORK GROUP BRAINSTORM ACTIONABLE ITEMS FOR THE YEAR ATTENDEES: NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, SUNY SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, VICTIMS ADVOCACY SERVICE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOHAWK-HUDSON, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, SCHENECTADY POLICE DEPARTMENT, ST. MARY'S HEALTHCARE AMSTERDAM, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, BETHESDA HOUSE, HEALTH SERVICES CONSULTANT JULY 18, 2019 TOPICS: "CANCER PREVENTION IN ACTION" PROGRAM FOR SCHENECTADY, MONTGOMERY, AND FULTON COUNTIES TRAUMA INFORMED COMMUNITY WORK GROUP REPORT, COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CHIP) PREPARATION EXERCISE BREAK INTO TWO GROUPS FOR DISCUSSION AND SELECTION OF SPECIFIC INTERVENTIONS, INCLUDING PARTNER ROLES AND RESOURCES: 1) FOCUS AREA #1: TOBACCO PREVENTION, 2) FOCUS AREA #2: MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS PREVENTION; PARTNER UPDATES ATTENDEES: ELLIS MEDICINE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS, HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, CANCER PREVENTION IN ACTION, EMPOWER HEALTH SCHENECTADY CITY MISSION, CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO FREE COMMUNITIES, ST. PETERS HEALTH PARTNERS, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, CAPITAL ROOTS, MVP HEALTHCARE, SCHENECTADY INNER CITY MINISTRY, SUNNYVIEW REHABILITATION HOSPITAL SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 TOPICS: TRAUMA-INFORMED WORK GROUP UPDATES AND PLANNING ATTENDEES: NISKAYUNA COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (N-CAP), ELLIS HOSPITAL, ALLIANCE FOR POSITIVE HEALTH, SAFE INC. OCTOBER 17, 2019 TOPICS: PRESENTATION ON IN OUR OWN VOICES, PRESENTATION ON LAUNCH GRANT (BY SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM), HEROIN AND OPIATE WORK GROUP DISCUSSION, AND CHIP NEXT STEPS, TOBACCO/NICOTINE WORK DISCUSSION, AND CHIP NEXT STEPS, PARTNER UPDATES ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN, CANCER SERVICES PROGRAM, CAPITAL ROOTS, ELLIS HOSPITAL, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO FREE COMMUNITIES, CAPITAL REGION CHAMBER, EMPOWER HEALTH (CITY MISSION OF SCHENECTADY), HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY, IN OUR OWN VOICES, SCHENECTADY INNER-CITY MISSION, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, ST. PETERS HEALTH PARTNERS, ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH OCTOBER 25, 2019 TOPICS: TRAUMA-INFORMED WORK GROUP UPDATES AND PLANNING ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF SENIOR AND LONG TERM CARE SERVICES, ELLIS PERSONALIZED RECOVERY ORIENTED SERVICES (PROS) PROGRAM, SAFE INC., SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, ELLIS HOSPITAL, CAPITAL DISTRICT LIBRARY COUNCIL, VICTIMS ADVOCACY SERVICE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOHAWK-HUDSON, YWCA OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK, ALLIANCE FOR POSITIVE HEALTH, NISKAYUNA COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 5 |
NOVEMBER 21, 2019 TOPICS: HEROIN AND OPIATE TASK FORCE - HOSPITAL ACTIVITIES: ELLIS ER, ELLIS PSYCHIATRY, HEROIN AND OPIATE TASK FORCE - HOMETOWN HEALTH (FQHC) ACTIVITIES, HEROIN AND OPIATE TASK FORCE - PHARMACIST ROLE, HEROIN AND OPIATE TASK FORCE - COUNTY JAIL ACTIVITIES, HEROIN AND OPIATE TASK FORCE - SCHENECTADY CARE (LAW ENFORCEMENT CONNECTION), HEROIN AND OPIATE TASK FORCE - OD2A GRANT FUNDING ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY POLICE DEPARTMENT, CONIFER PARK, ELLIS HOSPITAL, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES JANUARY 23, 2020 TOPICS: PRESENTATION ON SEPSIS EDUCATION, PRESENTATION ON FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA, PRESENTATION ON THE LIVING ROOM AT ELLIS MEDICINE STATE STREET MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, CHIP UPDATE, STARTING A TOBACCO WORKGROUP, NARCAN TRAININGS, TRAUMA-INFORMED COMMUNITY WORKGROUP MEETINGS ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, ELLIS HOSPITAL, FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA FOUNDATION, THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS, SCHENECTADY INNER CITY MINISTRY, MVP HEALTH PLAN, RHOADES TO RECOVERY, CANCER PREVENTION IN ACTION, IN OUR OWN VOICES, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO-FREE COMMUNITIES, HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS, CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN, SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, ST. PETER'S HEALTH PARTNERS JULY 16, 2020 (VIDEO CONFERENCE) TOPICS: UPDATE ON COVID-19 RESPONSE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, PRESENTATION ON CANCER SERVICES PROGRAM FOR SCHENECTADY COUNTY, TOBACCO NEIGHBORHOOD CONVERSATION REPORT AND CHIP/IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY PRIORITY DISCUSSION ATTENDEES: ST. MARY'S HEALTHCARE AMSTERDAM, SCHENECTADY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR AND LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, ST. PETER'S HEALTH PARTNERS, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, CAPITAL DISTRICT PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS, ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH, HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, ELLIS HOSPITAL OCTOBER 15, 2020 (VIDEO CONFERENCE) TOPICS: UPDATE ON COVID-19 RESPONSE FROM SCHENECTADY COUNTY NEW INTERIM PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR, OVERVIEW OF "AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY" GRANT, TOBACCO PREVENTION WORKGROUP UPDATE AND DISCUSSION, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PREVENTION WORKGROUP UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ATTENDEES: SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO-FREE COMMUNITIES, RHOADES TO RECOVERY, MVP HEALTH PLAN, NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER, ELLIS HOSPITAL, THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS, ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH, SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM 2. ENGAGEMENT OF CONSUMERS THROUGH COMMUNITY TELEPHONE SURVEY: THE HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE (HCDI) CONDUCTED ITS THIRD COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY OF RESIDENTS IN THE CAPITAL DISTRICT FROM DECEMBER 9 18, 2018. THE AIM OF THE SURVEY WAS TO CONTINUE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH/LIFESTYLE PRACTICES, HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION AND NEEDS, CHALLENGES TO PRACTICING HEALTHY BEHAVIORS AND ACCESSING CARE AS WELL AS OTHER SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH. THE SIENA COLLEGE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SCRI) WAS CONTRACTED TO COLLECT THE DATA FOR THIS COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY. A RANDOM SAMPLING DESIGN WAS APPLIED TO RECRUIT A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF RESIDENTS OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT (INCLUDING THE COUNTIES OF ALBANY, COLUMBIA, GREENE, RENSSELAER, SARATOGA, AND SCHENECTADY) AND AUGMENTED BY AN OVERSAMPLE OF LOWER INCOME INDIVIDUALS (DEFINED AS YEARLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF NO MORE THAN $50,000). THE SAMPLE FROM EACH COUNTY WAS STATISTICALLY WEIGHTED TO THE PROPORTIONATE SHARE OF THE POPULATION OF THE ENTIRE REGION MAKING THE OVERALL MARGIN OF ERROR INCLUDING THE DESIGN EFFECTS OF WEIGHTING +/- 3.4 PERCENTAGE POINTS ACROSS THE SAMPLE OF 1204 RESIDENTS AT THE 95% CONFIDENCE LEVEL. ADDITIONALLY SEPARATE WEIGHTED ESTIMATES WERE PREPARED FOR: 1) ALBANY, RENSSELAER (N=529), 2) COLUMBIA, GREENE (N=258) 3) SARATOGA (N=226), 4) SCHENECTADY (N=191 AT MOE +/- 8.9%), AND 5) LOWER INCOME RESPONDENTS ACROSS THE SIX COUNTIES (N=724). THE DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT WAS DEVELOPED BY HCDI IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PREVENTION AGENDA WORKGROUP AND SIENA COLLEGE. THE BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS WERE ASKED IN REFERENCE TO A 12-MONTH PERIOD TO IMPROVE CONSISTENCY IN RESPONSE. THE QUESTIONNAIRE WAS PILOT TESTED BEFORE ADOPTED FOR USE. TRAINED INTERVIEWERS AT SIENA COLLEGE ADMINISTERED THE QUESTIONNAIRE TO ENSURE FIDELITY OF THE DATA. PARTICIPANTS WHO WERE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE STUDY WERE INTERVIEWED ON THEIR CELLPHONES OR LANDLINES. THE QUESTIONNAIRE TOOK APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES TO COMPLETE AND A RESPONSE RATE OF 8.2% WAS OBTAINED. UP TO SEVEN ATTEMPTS WERE MADE BEFORE PARTICIPANTS WERE CLASSIFIED AS NON-RESPONSE. THE PARTICIPANTS WERE NOT COMPENSATED TO TAKE PART IN THE SURVEY. ADDITIONALLY, 301 SURVEYS WERE COMPLETED ONLINE. WHEN ASKED TO RANK THE SERIOUSNESS OF PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES "IN YOUR COMMUNITY," SCHENECTADY RESIDENTS SURVEYED CHOSE MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE, AND TOBACCO USE AS MOST SIGNIFICANT. THE TOP FIVE TOPICS LISTED AS "VERY SERIOUS" BY OVERALL PERCENTAGE WERE: 1) DRUG ABUSE INCLUDING OPIOID ADDICTION 39% 2) MENTAL ILLNESS INCLUDING SUICIDE 36% 3) ALCOHOL ABUSE 34% 4) TOBACCO USE AND RELATED ILLNESS 33% 5) UNSAFE SEXUAL ACTIVITY INCLUDING TEEN PREGNANCY AND STDS 31% ALTHOUGH THE SURVEY RESPONSES OF SCHENECTADY RESIDENTS GENERALLY MIRRORED THOSE OF THE OVERALL CAPITAL REGION, THERE WERE A NUMBER OF NOTABLE VARIANCES FROM THE REGION OR WITHIN THE COUNTY. THESE INCLUDED: -VERY-LOW-INCOME SCHENECTADY RESIDENTS REPORT POOR HEALTH AT A VERY HIGH RATE. COUNTYWIDE, ONLY 4% OF RESPONDENTS REPORT "POOR" HEALTH; REGIONWIDE, 11% OF VERY-LOW-INCOME (LESS THAN $25,000/YEAR) REPORT "POOR" HEALTH; BUT IN SCHENECTADY, 20% OF VERY-LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS REPORT "POOR" HEALTH. -YOUNGER SCHENECTADIANS IN PARTICULAR ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL HEALTH THAN IN GOOD MENTAL HEALTH. MORE THAN HALF (53%) OF RESPONDENTS UNDER AGE 55 REPORT NO DAYS WHEN THEIR PHYSICAL HEALTH WAS NOT GOOD," WHILE ONLY ABOUT A THIRD (34%) OF THIS AGE CATEGORY REPORT NO DAYS WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH NOT GOOD." -LOW-INCOME, LOW-EDUCATION SCHENECTADY RESIDENTS REPORT VERY HIGH RATES OF TOBACCO USE. REGIONWIDE, 20% OF LOW-INCOME (UNDER $50,000) RESIDENTS SMOKE OR USE TOBACCO EVERY DAY, WHILE THAT SHARE IS FIFTY PERCENT HIGHER IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY, AT 30%. WITHIN SCHENECTADY COUNTY, 18% OF THE TOTAL POPULATION SMOKES OR USES TOBACCO EVERY DAY, DOUBLING TO 36% FOR PEOPLE WITH A HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE OR LESS. -FOOD INSECURITY REMAINS A PROBLEM FOR VERY LOW-INCOME SCHENECTADY RESIDENTS. MORE THAN HALF (52%) OF VERY-LOW-INCOME RESPONDENTS REPORT NOT HAVING ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY FOOD AT LEAST ONCE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FIFTY PERCENT HIGHER THAN THE REGIONWIDE RESPONSE OF 36%. -IT APPEARS THAT, IN SCHENECTADY AT LEAST, MONEY DOES BUY HAPPINESS. ABOUT A THIRD (31%) OF VERY-LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS REPORT FEELING "OVERWHELMED OR STRESSED" ALL SEVEN DAYS OF THE WEEK, WHILE ONLY 2% OF RESPONDENTS WITH INCOMES OF $50,000 OR OVER REPORT THAT MUCH STRESS. CONVERSELY, A NEARLY IDENTICAL SHARE (34%) OF HIGHER-INCOME RESIDENTS REPORT NEVER FEELING "OVERWHELMED OR STRESSED OUT." 3. ENGAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND CONSUMERS THROUGH WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED ON 2013 AND 2016 CHNAS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: AS REQUIRED, ELLIS HOSPITAL POSTED THE 2013 AND 2016 CHNAS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ON ITS PUBLIC WEBSITE. (SEE HTTP://WWW.ELLISMEDICINE.ORG/PAGES/COMMUNITY-REPORT.ASPX). IN ADDITION, THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES WERE INCLUDED IN THE IRS FORMS 990 SCHEDULE H AND ALSO POSTED ON THE HOSPITAL'S WEBSITE. ELLIS HOSPITAL SOLICITED PUBLIC COMMENT VIA A "CONTACT US" FORM ON ITS WEBSITE (HTTPS://WWW.ELLISMEDICINE.ORG/PAGES/CONTACT.ASPX), THROUGH ITS FACEBOOK PRESENCE (HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ELLISMEDICINENY) AND ON TWITTER (HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/ELLISMEDICINE) WITH ALL ACCOUNTS ACTIVELY MONITORED BY STAFF FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICE. THE HOSPITAL ALSO SOLICITED PUBLIC COMMENTS THROUGH THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE SCHENECTADY COALITION FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY (SCHC). |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 5 |
NO WRITTEN COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED REGARDING THE 2013 AND 2016 CHNAS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES. VERBAL COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED, HOWEVER, DURING MEETINGS OF SCHC AND WERE USED TO MODIFY AND MAKE MID-COURSE CORRECTIONS TO THE OVERALL IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION, AND PRIORITIZATION OF HEALTH NEEDS. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT COMMENTS RELATED TO PRIORITY MODIFICATIONS SO AS TO BE ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES WHICH OCCURRED BETWEEN ADOPTION OF THE 2013 AND 2016 DOCUMENTS. THIS PARTICULARLY INVOLVED ELEVATION OF THE PRIORITY OF FOOD INSECURITY (INITIALLY LISTED AS TIER B) AS SEVERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES BECAME AVAILABLE. GREATER KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPACT OF FOOD INSECURITY ON THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN SCHENECTADY THEN LED TO IT INCLUSION AS A COMPONENT IN THE OBESITY/DIABETES INITIATIVE FOR 2016. GIVEN THIS EXPERIENCE, THE PARTNERS UNDERTOOK A COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL EFFORT TO MORE AGGRESSIVELY ENCOURAGE WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THE 2019 REGIONAL CHNA EARLY IN ITS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. HCDI PROVIDED A LINK TO THE NEAR-FINAL DRAFT AND AN ACCOMPANYING ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRE, WHILE ALL OF THE REGIONAL HOSPITALS AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (INCLUDING ELLIS) PROMINENTLY POSTED THE LINK ON QUESTIONNAIRE ON THEIR PUBLIC WEBSITES DURING MAY AND JUNE 2019. THIS POSTING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SIX-COUNTY REGION RESULTED IN 30 WRITTEN COMMENTS. THE WRITTEN COMMENTS INDICATE THAT COMMENTERS FOUND THE DRAFT CHNA EASY TO UNDERSTAND (67% = EASY OR VERY EASY VS. 3% DIFFICULT) AND GENERALLY INFORMATIVE (33% = EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE, 53% = INFORMATIVE, 13% = SOMEWHAT INFORMATIVE). SOME COMMENTERS IDENTIFIED APPARENT ERRORS AND MADE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT WHICH WERE INCORPORATED IN THE FINAL REGIONAL CHNA. |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11 |
ACTIONS ADDRESSING THE SIGNIFICANT NEEDS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING: CHRONIC DISEASE TOBACCO PREVENTION (INCLUDING ASTHMA AND SMOKING): - SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, ELLIS, AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS APPLIED FOR AND RECEIVED A GRANT FROM NEW YORK STATE HEALTH FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT A "SCHENECTADY ASTHMA SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE" (SASC). A REQUIRED LOCAL CASH MATCH WAS PROVIDED BY THE SCHENECTADY FOUNDATION, THE GE FOUNDATION, AND MVP HEALTHCARE. SERVICES OF A COLLABORATIVE MODEL COMBINING CARE MANAGEMENT, PATIENT EDUCATION, AND IN-HOME NURSING SERVICES BEGAN IN LATE 2014, WITH THE GRANT PERIOD ENDING IN DECEMBER 2015. - SASC CREATED A SEAMLESS THREE-TIERED CARE MODEL (CENTRALIZED CARE COORDINATION, HOME VISITS/ASSESSMENTS, AND ASTHMA EDUCATION). OVER THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT, 68 PATIENTS CONSENTED TO PARTICIPATE IN CARE COORDINATION. WHILE 57 (84%) OF THESE REMAINED ENGAGED AFTER TWO MONTHS, ONLY 13 (19%) COMPLETED BOTH THE HOME VISITS AND ASTHMA EDUCATION COMPONENTS. THE PROJECT'S FINAL REPORT CONCLUDED THAT CULTURAL DYNAMICS ("FATALISM") AND STRUCTURAL BARRIERS (ISSUES OF TRUST) MAY HAVE PREVENTED INDIVIDUALS FROM ACCESSING OPTIMAL CARE. - ALTHOUGH THE PROJECT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THE CHALLENGES OF ENGAGING PATIENTS, THE CLINICAL ASPECTS OF THE THREE-TIERED MODEL REMAIN VALID. THE DESIGN OF THE SCHENECTADY MODEL WAS USED TO INFORM DEVELOPMENT OF ASTHMA PROJECTS ACROSS THE SIX-COUNTY SERVICE AREA OF THE REGIONAL DSRIP PARTNERSHIP, THE ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH. - ELLIS, THE SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (SCSD), AND PRICE CHOPPER PHARMACY PARTICIPATED IN THE "SCHOOL-BASED ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM," WHICH ENROLLS A SMALL BUT INCREASING NUMBER OF THE 1,150 DIAGNOSED ASTHMATIC STUDENTS IN SCSD. THE PROGRAM ADMINISTERS ALBUTEROL TREATMENTS, ENABLING STUDENTS TO RETURN TO CLASS 98.7% OF THE TIME. IN ADDITION TO THE IN-SCHOOL COMPONENT, NEARLY A THIRD OF THE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS COMPLETED OUTPATIENT ASTHMA SELF-MANAGEMENT TRAINING SESSIONS THROUGH ELLIS ASTHMA CARE. - THE ELLIS ASTHMA EDUCATION PROGRAM FOUND THAT "GRADUATES" ACHIEVE A 60-70% REDUCTION IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS OVER 12 MONTHS POST-DISCHARGE. - ELLIS CONTINUED ITS STRONG ASTHMA EDUCATION PROGRAM, AND CONTINUED TO COLLABORATE WITH THE CAPITAL DISTRICT TOBACCO FREE COMMUNITIES. INFORMAL PERSUASION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY ENCOURAGED VARIOUS SMOKE-FREE INITIATIVES; A NEWLY-CONSTRUCTED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT ON ALBANY STREET IN SCHENECTADY IS SMOKE-FREE FROM THE START, AND THE ENTIRE UNION COLLEGE CAMPUS WAS SMOKE-FREE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2017. SINCE AUGUST 2016, THE LEGAL AGE FOR THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY IS SET BY LOCAL LAW AT 21. - FOR WELL OVER A DECADE, ELLIS HOSTED ON-SITE PRESENTATIONS OF "THE BUTT STOPS HERE," AN EVIDENCE-BASED TOBACCO-CESSATION PROGRAM. DURING THE 2020 COVID-RELATED RESTRICTIONS ON IN-PERSON MEETINGS, ELLIS, ST. PETER'S HEALTH PARTNERS, LOCAL INSURERS, AND OTHER COLLABORATORS CONTINUED WITH "THE VIRTUAL BUTT STOPS HERE," A TELEMEDICINE-BASED DELIVERY OF THE SAME TOBACCO-CESSATION INFORMATION. AT LEAST TEN VIRTUAL SESSIONS WERE PROVIDED DURING 2020. CHRONIC DISEASE OBESITY AND DIABETES: - ELLIS EMBARKED ON A TWO-PRONGED APPROACH TO ISSUES OF DIABETES AND OBESITY: 1) SPECIFIC DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAMS WERE DEVELOPED AND DELIVERED IN THE COMMUNITY AND 2) WEIGHT LOSS AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE PROGRAMS WERE IMPLEMENTED FOR VARYING TARGET GROUPS. - ELLIS AND PARTNERS PILOTED THE "LEARN TO LIVE WELL" DIABETES PROGRAM FOR PARISHIONERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AT THE ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH; THE FOUR-SESSION CURRICULUM INCLUDED A PRESENTATION BY ELLIS CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATORS. - ELLIS STAFF MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY MISSION AND THE LOCAL HINDU TEMPLE TO EXPLORE DIABETES PROGRAMMING THROUGH THEIR ORGANIZATIONS. - SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES RECEIVED A "PARTNERSHIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH" (PICH) GRANT WHICH SUPPORTED INCREASED SCREENING FOR DIABETES IN HIGH RISK POPULATIONS. ELLIS WAS A SUBCONTRACTOR UNDER THE GRANT. - THE PICH GRANT ALSO SUPPORTED TRAINING OF ELLIS DIABETES CARE STAFF AS LIFESTYLE COACHES FOR THE NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM (DPP), WHICH IS OFFERED AT ELLIS MEDICINE LOCATIONS STARTING IN OCTOBER 2016. IN LATE 2018, THE ELLIS DDP PROGRAM RECEIVED RECOGNITION FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC). - AN EMBEDDED DIABETES CARE MANAGER WAS PLACED AT ELLIS FAMILY HEALTH CENTER AS PART OF THE PICH GRANT TO WORK ON POLICIES AND SYSTEMS RELATED TO DIABETES MANAGEMENT IN A PRIMARY CARE SETTING, INCLUDING REFERRALS TO THE DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM. - WITH ASSISTANCE FROM ELLIS MEDICINE IT STAFF, A REGISTRY OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETES WAS DEVELOPED FOR ELLIS FAMILY HEALTH CENTER TO FACILITATE IMPROVED CARE. - ELLIS STAFF AND LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENTS MET WITH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS TO CONDUCT A COMMUNITY ASSET MAPPING; THIS INVENTORY IS TO BE USED TO ASSESS THE VIABILITY OF A CITY-WIDE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM. - ELLIS HELD A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FIELD DAY FOR LOCAL YOUTH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNION COLLEGE. - ELLIS ENGAGED ITS OWN EMPLOYEES IN COMPETITIVE WALKING EVENTS AND OTHER WEIGHT-LOSS ACTIVITY; PARTICIPATION COUNTS TOWARD REDUCTIONS IN HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS. - THE HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS WORKGROUP, RENAMED THE DIABETES/OBESITY WORKGROUP, MET THREE TIMES DURING 2017. AVERAGE ATTENDANCE FOR THE MEETINGS WAS 13 PEOPLE. THIS GROUP'S MAIN FOCUS DURING THE YEAR WAS TO STEER THE FOOD ACCESS FOCUSED WORK OF THE "PARTNERSHIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH" (PICH) GRANT WHICH HAD BEEN AWARDED TO SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES. THIS GROUP WORKED WITH SIX FOOD PANTRIES IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTHY OPTIONS DISTRIBUTED TO CLIENTS. THIS INCLUDES INCREASING OPTIONS FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AS WELL AS WHOLE GRAINS AND LOW-FAT DAIRY. IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS AT FOOD PANTRIES INCLUDE "POLICY, SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL" (PSE) IMPROVEMENTS. EXAMPLES OF THESE PSE STRATEGIES INCLUDE SIGNAGE TO PROMOTE THE FOOD GROUPS WITH A NUTRITION MESSAGE, MOVING ITEMS ON SHELVES TO HIGHLIGHT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AT EYE LEVEL, AND IMPROVING THE DISPLAYS FOR FRESH PRODUCE TO MAKE THE FOOD PANTRIES LOOK MORE LIKE A MARKET. RECIPES AND COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS WERE ALSO DONE AT FOOD PANTRIES TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF CLIENTS CHOOSING THE HEALTHIER OPTIONS. EACH PANTRY THAT IS ENGAGED IN THIS WORK IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY IS DOING A DIFFERENT COMBINATION OF INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTHY OPTIONS BECAUSE EACH PANTRY USES A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MODEL TO DELIVER FOODS TO CLIENTS. SOME PANTRIES ARE A CHOICE MODEL, WHERE CLIENTS GET TO CHOOSE ALL THE FOODS THEY TAKE WITH THEM WHILE SOME PROVIDE PRE-PACKED FOOD BOXES AND SOME ARE A MIX OF BOTH MODELS. THE DIFFERENT PANTRY MODELS LEND THEMSELVES TO DIFFERENT INTERVENTIONS WORKING BETTER THAN OTHERS. THE DIABETES/OBESITY WORKGROUP ASSISTED PANTRIES IN DECIDING WHAT INTERVENTIONS WOULD WORK BEST FOR THEIR MODEL. GIVEN THE COMPLETION OF THE GRANT PERIOD, AND THE ABILITY OF MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS TO PURSUE EVIDENCE-BASED FOOD POLICIES, THE WORKGROUP DISCONTINUED MEETING AFTER 2017. |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11 |
- THEREAFTER, SIX FOOD PANTRIES CONTINUED TO SUSTAIN POLICY, SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES TO OFFER HEALTHIER FOOD OPTIONS TO FOOD PANTRY CLIENTS. THESE INTERVENTIONS INCLUDE SIGNAGE TO INDICATE HEALTHY OPTIONS WITH A NUTRITION MESSAGE, MOVING HEALTHY ITEMS TO EYE LEVEL ON SHELVING, AND IMPROVING DISPLAYS OF FRESH PRODUCE TO MAKE THEM LOOK MORE APPEALING. RECIPES AND FOOD DEMONSTRATIONS ARE ALSO DONE AT FOOD PANTRIES INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF CLIENTS CHOOSING HEALTHIER OPTIONS THEY MAY NOT BE AS FAMILIAR WITH. EACH PANTRY THAT IS ENGAGED IN THIS WORK IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY CONTINUES TO HAVE A DIFFERENT COMBINATION OF INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTHY OPTIONS BECAUSE EACH PANTRY USES A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MODEL TO DELIVER FOODS TO CLIENTS. IN 2018, NEW WORK BEGAN WITH FOUR (THREE OVERLAPPING WITH PREVIOUS WORK) FOOD PANTRIES IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY TO OFFER CHRONIC DISEASE-SPECIFIC FOOD PACKAGES. FOOD PACKAGES FOR DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION ARE GIVEN OUT TO CLIENTS INDICATING THEY HAVE SOMEONE IN THEIR FAMILY WITH EITHER CONDITION OR SOMEONE AT RISK FOR THE CONDITIONS. THE FOOD PACKAGES INCLUDE HEALTHIER OPTIONS TO ASSIST IN THE MANAGEMENT OR PREVENTION OF DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION THROUGH NUTRITION. EXAMPLES OF FOODS IN THE DIABETES/HYPERTENSION PACKAGES INCLUDE WHOLE WHEAT PASTA, BROWN RICE, NO SUGAR ADDED CANNED FRUIT AND NO SALT ADDED CANNED VEGETABLES. INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONDITIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF THEM IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE FOOD PACKAGES. CLIENTS CAN GET THE FOOD PACKAGES EACH TIME THEY COME TO THE FOOD PANTRY BY INDICATING THEIR INTEREST IN THE PROGRAM WHEN ASKED. IN ADDITION THE FOOD, A REGISTERED DIETICIAN FROM CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, SCHENECTADY COUNTY PROVIDED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE FOOD PANTRIES TO MODIFY THE FOOD PACKAGES AND PROVIDES NUTRITION EDUCATION AT EACH OF THE FOOD PANTRIES ONE TIME A MONTH. INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY ARE BEING IDENTIFIED THROUGH THIS WORK BY SCREENING INDIVIDUALS AT COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND HEALTH INSURERS AND REFERRING THEM TO FOOD PANTRIES THAT ARE OFFERING HEALTHY OPTIONS AND CHRONIC DISEASE SPECIFIC FOOD PACKAGES IF THEY HAVE THAT NEED. - IN OCTOBER 2016, ELLIS DIABETES CARE STARTED THE FIRST DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM (DPP) IN THE COMMUNITY IN A NUMBER OF YEARS. THE DPP IS A LIFESTYLE CHANGE PROGRAM TO PREVENT DIABETES. IT RUNS 16 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS AND THEN MONTHLY MAINTENANCE SESSIONS FOR THE REMAINDER OF A YEAR. IN JULY 2018, SCHENECTADY'S DPP WAS GRANTED PRELIMINARY RECOGNITION FROM THE CDC AND CONTINUED TO SUBMIT DATA EVERY SIX MONTHS TO THE CDC IN ORDER TO REACH FULL RECOGNITION, WHICH WAS GRANTED AT THE END OF 2018. CDC-RECOGNIZED PROGRAMS ARE ABLE TO APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH MEDICARE. ELLIS MEDICINE WILL PURSUE MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT FOR DPP SERVICES ONCE A SUFFICIENT VOLUME OF MEDICARE-COVERED PARTICIPANTS IS ACHIEVED. - IN ADDITION TO THE DPP, ELLIS DIABETES CARE ALSO OFFERS DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION (DSME) PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS ALREADY DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES. THEY RECEIVE REFERRALS FROM ELLIS PRACTICES BUT ALSO COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER MEDICAL PROVIDERS IN THE COMMUNITY. ONE OF OUR GOALS IS INCREASE REFERRALS TO DSME AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO FOLLOW THROUGH ON THEIR REFERRAL AND ATTEND AT LEAST ONE SESSION OF DSME. THE INCREASED CONVERSION RATE MEANS THAT MORE PATIENTS ARE GETTING THE BENEFIT OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR THEIR DIABETES. - SCPHS PROVIDED FUNDING THROUGH THE PICH GRANT TO TRAIN ELLIS MEDICINE STAFF AS "LIFESTYLE COACHES" TO DELIVER THE DPP. SCPHS ALSO SUPPORTED THE PROMOTION OF THE CLASSES THROUGH ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND SHARING FLYERS WITH LOCAL PARTNERS. THE PICH GRANT WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE INCENTIVES FOR THE PROGRAM TO HELP PEOPLE TO CONTINUE COMING TO THE PROGRAM. - ELLIS MEDICINE PROVIDED STAFF FOR RUNNING BOTH THE DPP AND DSME PROGRAMS, BOTH OF WHICH WERE HOUSED IN ELLIS DIABETES CARE. ELLIS ALSO PROVIDED RESOURCES TO PROMOTE THESE PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO THEIR EMPLOYEES. ELLIS DIABETES CARE COLLECTED THE DATA THAT IS NEEDED FOR THESE PROGRAMS AND MONITORED PROGRESS WITH REFERRALS. O FUNDING FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE GREATER CAPITAL REGION TO SUPPORT THE CONTINUED WORK WITH FOOD PANTRIES IS HELPFUL IN KEEPING MOMENTUM FOR THESE ACTIVITIES MOVING FORWARD. THE FUNDING SUPPORTS EDUCATION FOR FOOD PANTRY CLIENTS, THE PURCHASE OF HEALTHIER FOOD OPTIONS, AND SUPPORT FROM CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, SCHENECTADY COUNTY. ELLIS MEDICINE'S MULTIPLE PRIMARY CARE OFFICES AND OUTPATIENT EDUCATION SERVICES PROVIDE DIRECT INTERFACE WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO ARE FOOD INSECURE AND COULD BENEFIT FROM ACCESSING HEALTHY FOODS AT THE LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES. ELLIS CARE MANAGERS ALSO HAVE THESE INTERACTIONS WITH THEIR PATIENTS AND PROVIDE THESE REFERRALS TO COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING FOOD PANTRIES. CDPHP STARTED UTILIZING THEIR CARE MANAGERS TO SCREEN FOR FOOD INSECURITY AND MAKE APPROPRIATE REFERRALS BASED ON THE OUTCOME. UTILIZING THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY AS A POINT OF ENTRY FOR ACCESS TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM VARIOUS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS HAS BEEN A HELPFUL PARTNERSHIP TO HAVE. CITY MISSION'S EMPOWER HEALTH PROGRAM HAS ALSO BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN SCREENING FOR FOOD INSECURITY IN THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING REFERRALS TO FOOD PANTRIES AS NEEDED. THE FOOD PANTRIES ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THIS WORK AND SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF OFFERING HEALTHY OPTIONS FOR THEIR CLIENTS. PANTRIES UNDERSTAND THAT MANY OF THEIR CLIENTS ARE UTILIZING THE PANTRIES ON A MONTHLY BASIS AS A PART OF THEIR FOOD BUDGETING AND THUS THE FOOD THAT THEY RECEIVE IS A BIG PART OF THEIR DIETS EVERY MONTH. THE NUTRITION EXPERTISE THAT CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION (SCHENECTADY COUNTY) BRINGS WAS VERY IMPORTANT IN MOVING THE WORK WITH THE FOOD PANTRIES FORWARD. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE - SUICIDE AND MENTAL/EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL INFRASTRUCTURE: - THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES (THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT'S MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS UNIT) AND ELLIS UNDERTOOK A COLLABORATION TO FORM WORK GROUPS EVALUATING MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS. - IN COLLABORATION WITH RESEARCHERS FROM THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND STUDENTS AT UNION COLLEGE, A PROJECT TO FOCUS ON THE CHNA-IDENTIFIED EXCESS NUMBER OF DRUG-ADDICTED NEWBORNS IN SCHENECTADY RECEIVED ELLIS INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) APPROVAL TO CONDUCT CHART REVIEWS OF NEWBORNS WITH A POSITIVE DRUG SCREEN. - THE STUDY EVALUATED THE MOST COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS AND DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE NEWBORNS' MOTHERS. BECAUSE OF THE SMALL SAMPLE SIZE, NO FINAL CONCLUSIONS WERE REACHED. - ELLIS AND SCPHS WORKED WITH HCDI WHICH IS COMPILING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DATA FROM SUCH STANDARDIZED SURVEY TOOLS AS BRFSS AND SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY TO ANALYZE AMONG THE CAPITAL REGION COUNTIES. THE SURVEY INFORMATION CONTINUES TO FLAG THE NEWBORN DRUG-RELATED DIAGNOSIS RATE IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY AS A CRITICAL ISSUE COMPARED WITH THE REGION, ALTHOUGH THE SINGLE YEAR RATE DID DIP SLIGHTLY. OTHER INDICATORS FOR WHICH SCHENECTADY COUNTY EXCEEDS THE REGIONAL RATE ARE POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (3.8% VS. 3.1%) AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE-OTHER (9.3% VS. 7.7%). SPECIFIC SCHENECTADY NEIGHBORHOODS, HOWEVER, GREATLY EXCEED REGIONAL RATES ON MULTIPLE INDICATORS; FOR EXAMPLE THE SCHENECTADY STOCKADE RATES EXCEED REGIONAL RATES ON 14 OF 18 INDICATORS, WHILE THE DEMENTIA RATE IN SCOTIA/GLENVILLE IS 83% ABOVE THE REGIONAL RATE. - DURING 2016, THE ELLIS OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC APPLIED FOR AND RECEIVED DESIGNATION AS A NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS (NHSC) PRACTICE SITE. THE SITE, HOWEVER, CHOSE NOT TO RENEW THE DESIGNATION. |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11 |
- THE SCHENECTADY COALITION FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY (SCHC) INITIATED A MENTAL/ EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL (MEB) WORKGROUP TO DISCUSS SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS IN THE COMMUNITY. IN MARCH 2017, SCHC AND SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES HELD A SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY OF DIALOGUE THAT BROUGHT TOGETHER COALITION PARTNERS, STATE LEADERS, COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS, MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF SUICIDE IN THE COMMUNITY AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT IT. ABOUT 30 INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED THE FORUM. THE SECOND HALF OF THE DAY WAS SPENT ON TRAINING THE GROUP IN THE EVIDENCE-BASED SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING CALL "QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER." IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS PRACTICAL SKILLS TO TAKE BACK TO USE IN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS OR LIVES AS WELL AS START THE BROADER CONVERSATION ABOUT SUICIDE PREVENTION IN THE COMMUNITY. FROM THIS DAY OF DIALOGUE, SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES HAS DECIDED TO RE-ENGAGE A PREVIOUSLY FORMED SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION. THIS GROUP WILL LOOK AT COUNTY LEVEL DATA AND DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS INCLUDING TRAINING IN THE COMMUNITY. THE COALITION IS STILL INTERESTED IN OFFERING MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAININGS IN THE COMMUNITY AS AN ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTION; HOWEVER THE COST OF DOING SO HAS BECOME A BARRIER. - ELLIS MEDICINE HAS ASSISTED IN PLANNING WORKGROUP MEETINGS AS WELL AS PROVIDING INPUT DURING THESE GROUPS. THEIR ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS AS WELL AS MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS REMAINS OF KEY IMPORTANCE IN MOVING THIS WORK FORWARD. - THE SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY RECOGNIZES SUICIDE PREVENTION AS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC TO INVESTIGATE. A SPECIFIC STRENGTH WE HAVE IN THIS AREA IS TOPIC EXPERTISE. WE HAVE A COALITION MEMBER WHO RETIRED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER AND THUS HAS VAST KNOWLEDGE IN THIS TOPIC THEY ARE ABLE TO SHARE. THIS PERSON IS ALSO CERTIFIED TO TEACH IN A NUMBER OF SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAININGS INCLUDING: ASIST (APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING), SAFE TALK (SUICIDE AWARENESS FOR EVERYONE TELL ASK LISTEN KEEP SAFE), AND QPR (QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER). - A CHALLENGE WE FACED WAS GETTING MOMENTUM GOING FOR THE TOPIC OF SUICIDE PREVENTION AND PREVENTION OF MEB DISEASE. THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS THE MAGNITUDE OF THE ISSUE BUT DOESN'T FEEL CONFIDENT IN THE PREVENTION EFFORTS. THIS WAS ADDRESSED BY INTRODUCING THE TOPIC OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACES) AND TRAUMA PREVENTION TO THE COALITION. THESE TOPICS IMPACT THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEB DISEASES AND SUICIDE RATES BUT HAVE ROOT CAUSES THAT ARE BROADER THAN JUST SUICIDE. THE GOAL OF PRESENTING HIGHER UPSTREAM CAUSES WAS TO HAVE COALITION MEMBERS IDENTIFY THE TOPICS THEY CAN WORK ON THAT WILL ULTIMATELY AFFECT SUICIDE RATES. - THE ELLIS PEDIATRIC HEALTH CENTER RECEIVED A THREE-YEAR (EXTENDED TO FOUR YEARS) $354,500 GRANT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH TO IMPLEMENT THE HEALTHY STEPS PROGRAM SUPPORTING AT-RISK FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO THREE YEARS OLD. THE GRANT ENABLED HIRING A HEALTHY STEPS SPECIALIST WHO IS ENGAGED IN EXPANDING AWARENESS OF THE ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACES) CONCEPT THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. DURING 2018 AND 2019 ELLIS EXPLORED POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SUSTAIN THE PROGRAM AFTER THE GRANT TERMINATED IN 2020. A COLLABORATION WAS DEVELOPED WITH THE SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (SCAP) WHICH SUCCESSFULLY APPLIED FOR AND RECEIVED A FEDERAL "PROJECT LAUNCH" GRANT (ONE OF ONLY 18 NATIONWIDE) TO, AMONG OTHER PROJECTS, SUPPORT THE HEALTHY STEPS PROGRAM FOR AN ADDITIONAL FIVE YEARS THROUGH SUB-CONTRACT. - THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE TRAINING FOR SCHENECTADY COUNTY FOSTER PARENTS, AVERAGING 15 PARTICIPANTS EACH. ADDITIONALLY, OCS TRAINED ELLIS MEDICINE'S OUTPATIENT ADULT MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC STAFF ON TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION; 45 PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED THAT TRAINING. A TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE TRAINING CLASS WAS HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WELFARE; 10 PEOPLE FROM SCHENECTADY COUNTY ATTENDED. THE TITLE WAS "TRAUMA PAST TRAUMA PRESENT: UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING IMPORTANT SKILLS IN TRAUMA INFORMED PHASE ORIENTED TREATMENT." THE TRAINER WAS DR. ALLISON JACKSON. - SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ALSO ENGAGED IN WORK AROUND TRAUMA, CREATING TRAUMA-SENSITIVE SCHOOLS. IN MAY 2018, SCHENECTADY HIGH SCHOOL HELD A MENTAL HEALTH FAIR IN THE EVENING FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS. NUMEROUS COMMUNITY RESOURCES WERE SHARED AND THEN A SCREENING OF THE FILM "RESILIENCE" WAS HELD WITH A DISCUSSION PANEL AFTER. OVER 100 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE EVENT. - THE DUAL RECOVERY TASK FORCE, LED BY THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, MEETS NINE TIMES A YEAR WITH AN AVERAGE ATTENDANCE OF 16 INDIVIDUALS. THE DUAL RECOVERY TASK FORCE INCLUDES PROVIDERS FROM BOTH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MAKING AN IMPORTANT CONNECTION FOR TREATING THOSE WITH DUAL DIAGNOSES. THE GROUP HAD 13 DIFFERENT PRESENTATIONS AT THEIR MEETINGS ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR THOSE WITH A DUAL DIAGNOSIS. PROGRAMS THAT PRESENTED RANGED FROM OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH CLINICS, TO HARM REDUCTION SERVICES AND HOUSING. THESE PRESENTATIONS BY COMMUNITY PROVIDERS ARE AN IMPORTANT STEP IN PROMOTING THEIR PROGRAMS AND MAKING SURE THE COMMUNITY IS AWARE OF ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES. - FOR 2018-2020, THE TRAUMA INFORMED CARE WORKGROUPS THAT WERE ESTABLISHED IN 2017 MERGED INTO ONE GROUP UNDER THE NEW TITLE OF "TRAUMA-INFORMED COMMUNITY WORKGROUP." THIS GROUP HELD A BRAINSTORMING SESSION TO DETERMINE A MISSION, VISION, GOALS AND COMMON DEFINITIONS OF TRAUMA LANGUAGE (TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE, ACES, TOXIC STRESS, AND RESILIENCE). ONE OF THE GOALS OF THE GROUP WAS TO DETERMINE A BASELINE OF TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICES EACH PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION IS USING. THIS BASELINE WOULD HELP DETERMINE NEXT STEPS FOR TRAINING NEEDS OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS. THE GROUP DECIDED TO UTILIZE COORDINATED CARE SERVICES, INC.'S TOOL CALLED THE "TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE ORGANIZATIONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL" (TIC OSAT) FOR EACH ORGANIZATION. DURING THE FALL OF 2018, 11 ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED ON THE WORKGROUP COMPLETED SURVEYS USING THE TIC OSAT. THE SURVEY DIVIDES RESULTS INTO STAFF AND LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP AT THE 11 ORGANIZATIONS COMPLETED 36 SURVEYS AND STAFF COMPLETED 175. THE TIC OSAT SOFTWARE GENERATES REPORTS FOR EACH ORGANIZATION AND AN OVERALL REPORT COMBINING ALL ORGANIZATIONS. THE WORKGROUP ANALYZED THE RESULTS AT A MEETING IN NOVEMBER 2018 AND DETERMINED THAT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AROUND TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE WAS WHERE THE WORK OF THE GROUP SHOULD START. THIS WAS FURTHER EXPLORED IN 2019. ONE EXCITING RESOURCE THAT THE GROUP WILL USE, AND SOME HAVE USED ALREADY, IS AN ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM CALLED "INTRODUCTION TO ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS." IT WAS DEVELOPED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH'S (THE LOCAL DSRIP PPS) MEB WORKGROUP AND IS BROKEN DOWN INTO THREE MODULES THAT CAN BE TAKEN ALL TOGETHER OR AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE COURSE PROVIDES A PRE- AND POST-TEST TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE. - A "SAFE TALK" TRAINING CLASS WAS HELD ON AUGUST 27, 2018 AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY LIBRARY WHERE 30 PEOPLE WERE TRAINED. THIS TRAINING WAS HOSTED BY NORTHERN RIVERS AND THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES. |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11 |
- SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES LEADS THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION WHICH WAS REESTABLISHED IN 2017 FOLLOWING A PERIOD WITHOUT MEETING. THE GROUP HAS REPRESENTATION FROM THE SCHENECTADY COALITION FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS OTHERS WHO ARE NOT REPRESENTED IN THE LARGER COALITION, FOR A TOTAL LISTSERV MAILING LIST OF 50 INDIVIDUALS. THERE ARE FOUR QUARTERLY MEETINGS OF THE SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION. THE SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION ESTABLISHED FOUR PRIORITY AREAS TO WORK ON AS A GROUP. THESE INCLUDE: 1) CHANGE AND ELIMINATE STIGMA, 2) INCREASE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, 3) ENCOURAGE NETWORKING BETWEEN PROVIDERS OF SERVICE AND THE COMMUNITY, AND 4) INCREASE PEER SERVICES. THE COALITION ESTABLISHED WORKGROUPS AROUND THESE TOPICS AREAS AND IS WORKING TO DETERMINE NEXT STEPS FOR THE WORKGROUPS. THE COALITION HAS STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN INVOLVEMENT OVER TIME, AND BRAINSTORMING ABOUT HOW TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED DURING MEETINGS OF THE GROUP. IN 2019, A MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS WAS DEVELOPED BY THE GROUP TO BETTER BE ABLE TO MARKET THE COALITION TO PARTNERS. THE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PREVENTION COALITION IS ANOTHER GROUP WORKING ON MEB AND SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION IN THE COMMUNITY. THE COALITION IS CO-LED BY THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES AND NEW CHOICES RECOVERY CENTER. THE GROUP DEVELOPED AND DISTRIBUTED A RESOURCE LIST FOR PARTNERS TO PROMOTE THE EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PROMOTING COMMUNITY EVENTS, SUCH AS RECOVERY NETWORKS, AND DRUG TAKE BACK DAYS, AND REVIEWING DATA TO SET PRIORITIES. - ON JULY 25, 2018, A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING WAS HELD IN SCHENECTADY WITH 32 PARTICIPANTS. THIS TRAINING WAS OFFERED FOR FREE THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW YORK STATE (MHANYS). COST OF THESE TRAININGS IS A BARRIER TO OFFERING THEM MORE OFTEN; HOWEVER WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR LOW OR NO COST, THE SCHENECTADY COALITION FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY PROMOTES THEM TO THE GROUP. THEY ARE ALSO PROMOTED THROUGH THE SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION AND ITS WORKGROUPS. INAPPROPRIATE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION: -ELLIS LED CREATION OF TWO REGION-WIDE HEALTH INNOVATIONS COLLABORATIONS A MEDICARE MSSP ACO ("INNOVATIVE HEALTH ALLIANCE OF NEW YORK" (IHANY)) AND A MEDICAID DSRIP PPS ("ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH" (AFBH)) BOTH WITH GOALS OF REDUCING INAPPROPRIATE HOSPITAL UTILIZATION. - BOTH COLLABORATIONS WERE APPROVED FOR INAUGURATION IN 2015 THE ACO ON JANUARY 1 AND THE PPS ON APRIL 1. - IHANY ADOPTED THE GOAL OF REDUCING INAPPROPRIATE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM INTENDING TO REDUCE COSTS AND PRODUCE SHARED SAVINGS. AFBHC IS REQUIRED BY THE STATE TO REDUCE INAPPROPRIATE HOSPITAL UTILIZATION (BOTH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND INPATIENT) BY 25% OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD. IHANY WAS SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT USE BY ITS ATTRIBUTED PATIENTS DURING ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATIONS. ADOLESCENT (TEEN) PREGNANCY: - ELLIS, THE SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOHAWK HUDSON, THE ALLIANCE FOR POSITIVE HEALTH (FORMERLY THE AIDS COUNCIL), AND THE SCHENECTADY TEEN AND ADULT COALITION (STAC) WORKED TO CONSIDER CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS TO THE CONSISTENTLY HIGH RATES OF ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS. - THE PROJECT ENGAGED ADOLESCENTS/TEENAGERS IN FOCUS GROUP AND MULTIPLE MEETINGS. A GAP IN HEALTH EDUCATION AT LOCAL SCHOOLS WAS IDENTIFIED. AFTER MOST HEALTH EDUCATION TEACHERS HAD BEEN LAID OFF DUE TO BUDGET CUTS, STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING NO HEALTH EDUCATION CLASSES BETWEEN 6TH GRADE AND 10TH GRADE. PLANNED PARENTHOOD ARRANGED STUDENT HEALTH EDUCATION ASSEMBLIES IN 2016 AND 2018, AND IS SEEKING TO REINTRODUCE MIDDLE SCHOOL HEALTH CLASSES. - THE SCHENECTADY FOUNDATION'S "CALL TO ACTION FOR SCHENECTADY'S YOUTH" GRANT PROGRAM IS PROVIDING FUNDING FOR THE "CRADLE PROJECT," A MULTIMEDIA PROJECT THAT IS FOCUSING A LENS ON SCHENECTADY'S HIGH RATE OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY THE HIGHEST IN THE CAPITAL REGION AND ITS TOLL ON THE COMMUNITY. DOZENS OF LOCAL YOUTH ARE INVOLVED IN WRITING ORIGINAL MUSIC AND DIALOG, PERFORMING AND PRODUCING "CRADLE," A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT TEEN PREGNANCY. THE FILM DEBUTED IN 2019 AT PROCTORS THEATRE IN SCHENECTADY. THE CRADLE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE MUSIC VIDEOS AND FORUMS ABOUT SEXUAL HEALTH AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. ARTHRITIS AND DISABILITY: - AS THIS NEED WAS NOT CATEGORIZED AMONG THE TOP PRIORITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHNA, RESOURCES WERE DEVOTED TO OTHER HIGHER PRIORITY PROJECTS. DENTAL HEALTH: - IN 2015, ELLIS RECEIVED THE FINAL PAYMENT OF A $250,000 "MEMBER ITEM" GRANT FROM THEN-STATE SENATOR HUGH T. FARLEY WHICH WAS USED TO ACQUIRE EQUIPMENT FOR THE PEDIATRIC DENTAL PROGRAM. ELLIS DENTAL CARE EXPANDED SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME PATIENTS; INCLUDING THE NEW FACILITIES FOR PEDIATRIC DENTAL SURGERY AND A PROGRAM FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES OF PEDIATRIC DENTAL PATIENTS. - DURING 2016, THE ELLIS DENTAL HEALTH CENTER APPLIED FOR AND RECEIVED DESIGNATION AS A NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS (NHSC) PRACTICE SITE. THE SITE, HOWEVER, CHOSE NOT TO RENEW THE DESIGNATION. FALLS: - THE 2013 CHNA IDENTIFIED PARTICULARLY HIGH FALLS MORTALITY IN THE COMMUNITY, AND A HIGH NUMBER OF FALLS IN ONE NEIGHBORHOOD. DATA ANALYSIS AND "DRILLING DOWN" IDENTIFIED A LARGE SENIOR HOUSING FACILITY IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD AS THE FALLS "HOT SPOT." - ELLIS STAFF MET WITH ADMINISTRATORS AT THE FACILITY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. UNION COLLEGE STUDENTS WERE ENGAGED TO ASSIST THE FACILITY STAFF TO TRACK INDICATORS AND TRENDS. - HAVING IDENTIFIED THE ISSUE AT ONE SENIOR HOUSING FACILITY, AMBULANCE CALL DATA WERE OBTAINED FROM THE LOCAL AMBULANCE COMPANY IN AN EFFORT TO ANALYZE THE PREVALENCE OF FALLS AT OTHER SENIOR FACILITIES. - SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES AND SCHENECTADY COUNTY SENIOR AND LONG TERM CARE SERVICES PARTNERED TO OFFER TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS CLASSES IN THE COMMUNITY TO HELP PREVENT FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS. - AS PART OF THE WORK OF THE SCHENECTADY COALITION FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY, THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS (LWV) UNDERTOOK LEAD ACTIVITIES FOR A "FALLS PREVENTION WORK GROUP." THE WORK GROUP MET REGULARLY AND ENGAGED EXPERTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SENIOR CITIZEN ORGANIZATIONS, REHABILITATION FACILITIES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. THE LWV BECAME UNABLE TO LEAD THE GROUP AS OF EARLY 2017, AND THE GROUP CEASED TO MEET. FOOD INSECURITY: - THE FOCUS ON FOOD INSECURITY CAME FROM A 2013 UMATTER SCHENECTADY SURVEY FINDING THAT THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS IN THREE SCHENECTADY NEIGHBORHOODS (HAMILTON HILL, EASTERN AVENUE, AND CENTRAL STATE) HAD RUN OUT OF FOOD AT LEAST ONCE IN THE PAST YEAR. INTERESTINGLY, THIS FINDING CORRELATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF SEVERE OBESITY (BMI >35) WHICH IS MORE THAN DOUBLE FOR PEOPLE WHO RUN OUT OF FOOD EVERY MONTH OR NEARLY EVERY MONTH THAN FOR THOSE WHO NEVER RUN OUT OF FOOD. - A PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, CITY MISSION OF SCHENECTADY, ELLIS HOSPITAL, AND THE SCHENECTADY FOUNDATION OBTAINED A GRANT FROM THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT A "COMMUNITY COACH" FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE. THE "COACH" CONVENED A SERIES OF TELEPHONE CONFERENCES AND AN ON-SITE VISIT TO HELP FOCUS COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND THINKING. - AS A RESULT OF THE COACHING, THE PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPED A COMMUNITY PLAN INCLUDING ASSET MAPPING AND A ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS, AND DEVELOPED COLLABORATION WITH THE SCHENECTADY COUNTY FOOD PROVIDERS GROUP. NO CLEAR, SINGLE, CAUSE WAS FOUND, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SOME EVIDENCE THAT SOME SERVICE GAPS (E.G., FEW FOOD PANTRIES ARE OPEN ON WEEKENDS) AND INEFFICIENCIES IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MAY BE CONTRIBUTORS. - ELLIS HOSPITAL, SCPHS, AND THEIR PARTNERS WORKED WITH TWO GRANTS (A ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION ROADMAPS TO HEALTH ACTION AWARD AND PARTNERSHIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH) TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS. THESE EFFORTS RESULTED IN DEVELOPMENT OF A SCHENECTADY FOOD RESOURCE MAP ACCESSIBLE FROM PORTABLE DEVICES SUCH AS SMARTPHONES, WHICH SHOWED THE LOCATIONS OF SUCH RESOURCES AS SOUP KITCHENS, FOOD PANTRIES, AND STORES WHICH ACCEPT ELECTRONIC BENEFIT CARDS. THE RESOURCE MAP WAS ALSO DEVELOPED INTO A MOBILE PHONE APPLICATION, CALLED "FOOD 4 SCHDY." THE APP ALLOWED USERS TO VIEW THE RESOURCE MAP USING THEIR SMARTPHONE'S LOCATION AND GET DIRECTIONS TO THE RESOURCES. - THE PICH GRANT ALSO SUPPORTS POLICY, SYSTEMS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AT FOOD PANTRIES WITHIN THE COUNTY TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS. THIS GRANT SUPPORTED THE OPENING OF A NEW FOOD PANTRY IN THE 12308 ZIP CODE (NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD), WHICH IS AN UNDERSERVED AREA OF THE COUNTY. |
| CONTINUATION OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11 |
- AS PART OF THE PICH GRANT, A COMMUNITY WIDE FOOD PLAN WAS DEVELOPED WITH GOALS, STRATEGIES AND EVIDENCE BASED ACTIVITIES TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY IN THE COMMUNITY. - PHYSICIANS AT THE ELLIS FAMILY HEALTH CENTER CONTINUE TO PROMOTE FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG PATIENTS. NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY: - ELLIS AND THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY PARTICIPATED ON SEVERAL INITIATIVES TO STABILIZE THE NORTHSIDE/GOOSE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THE NOTT STREET CAMPUS IS LOCATED. THESE INCLUDE A "WALK TO WORK" INITIATIVE AND A PROGRAM TO PROMOTE HOME OWNERSHIP ("HOME OWNERSHIP MADE EASY" (HOME)). IN ADDITION, CONSTRUCTION AT THE NOTT STREET CAMPUS INCLUDED NEW SIDEWALKS AND IMPROVED STREET LIGHTING, BOTH ISSUES OF NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY WHICH HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA. - ELLIS WAS INVITED BY THE NEW YORK STATE HEALTH FOUNDATION TO APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY-WIDE "HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS FUND" GRANT. THE APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BUT NOT FUNDED. PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS: - IN DECEMBER 2014, THE SCHENECTADY FOUNDATION HOSTED A CONFERENCE ENTITLED "BRIDGES TO YOUTHS" TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF SCHENECTADY'S YOUTH. - THE CONFERENCE LED TO THE "CALL TO ACTION FOR SCHENECTADY'S YOUTH." SINCE ITS LAUNCH, THE SCHENECTADY FOUNDATION HAS SO FAR INVESTED $770,000 IN EIGHT PROGRAMS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO BRING POWERFUL AND POSITIVE CHANGE TO SCHENECTADY'S YOUTH. CALL TO ACTION FOR YOUTH IS A THREE-YEAR, $2 MILLION COMMUNITY-WIDE EFFORT TO EMPOWER CHILDREN AND TEENS THAT FACE SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS TO SUCCESS. GRANTS INCLUDE SUPPORT OF SCHOLARSHIPS, JOB TRAINING, AND SPORTS PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH. COMMUNITY AND COALITION BUILDING: - ELLIS AND SCPHS CONTINUE TO LEAD AND PARTICIPATE IN NUMEROUS COMMUNITY COALITIONS. THESE INCLUDE THE SCHENECTADY COALITION FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY, THE SCHENECTADY STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH, AND THE HEALTHY CAPITAL DISTRICT INITIATIVE. - IN ADDITION, DURING 2014 ELLIS UNDERTOOK TWO MAJOR BUSINESS INITIATIVES PROMOTING BROAD COALITIONS OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. A MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (MSSP ACO) PARTNERED THREE HOSPITAL SYSTEMS, AN FQHC, AND SEVERAL COMMUNITY MEDICAL PRACTICES. A NEW YORK STATE MEDICAID DELIVERY SYSTEM REFORM INCENTIVE PAYMENT PROGRAM PERFORMING PROVIDER SYSTEM (DSRIP PPS) PARTNERED THE SAME THREE HOSPITAL SYSTEMS, TWO FQHCS, AND TWO LARGE COMMUNITY MEDICAL PRACTICES, ALONG WITH MORE THAN 50 COMMUNITY AGENCIES. BOTH WERE APPROVED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE REGULATORS TO START OPERATIONS IN 2015. - THE MSSP ACO (INNOVATIVE HEALTH ALLIANCE OF NEW YORK, OR IHANY) WAS APPROVED TO START OPERATIONS ON JANUARY 1, 2015, AND THE DSRIP PPS (ALLIANCE FOR BETTER HEALTH, OR AFBH) TO BEGIN ON APRIL 1, 2015. EACH WAS ESTABLISHED AS A SEPARATE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) AND EACH UNDERTOOK TO ADOPT AN OPERATING AGREEMENT AND SEAT A BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE DSRIP PPS RECEIVED SCHEDULED FUNDING FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UNDER A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT. THE MSSP ACO WAS FUNDED BY CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE TWO MEMBERS OF THE LLC (ELLIS HOSPITAL AND ST. PETER'S HEALTH PARTNERS), AND HAS NOT ACHIEVED "SHARED SAVINGS." IN 2017, ELLIS WITHDREW AS AN EQUITY PARTNER OF THE MSSP ACO, BUT REMAINS A CLINICAL PARTNER. IN FALL 2017, THE FEDERAL CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS) APPROVED RENEWAL OF IHANY'S MSSP ACO AGREEMENT FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS. ALTHOUGH THE STATE'S DSRIP PROGRAM GRANTS ENDED IN 2019, AFBH CONTINUED INTO 2020 AS AN INDEPENDENT PRACTICE ASSOCIATION (IPA) USING ACCUMULATED FUNDS AND NEW REVENUES. COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT: - ELLIS CONTINUED PROGRAMS OF COMMUNITY AND PATIENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT. HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION: - ELLIS, THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN THE REGION TO SPONSOR BOTH PHYSICIAN EDUCATION AND NURSING EDUCATION, CONTINUED TO PROVIDE A BROAD VARIETY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION PROGRAMS INCLUDING THE BELANGER SCHOOL OF NURSING, THE FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY, THE GENERAL DENTAL RESIDENCY, GRAND ROUNDS AND OTHER CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. ELLIS ALSO SERVES AS A TRAINING AND PRECEPTORSHIP SITE FOR NUMEROUS COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION PROGRAMS. UNREIMBURSED COSTS OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION ARE REPORTED IN PART I OF SCHEDULE H. SUBSIDIZED AND FREE HEALTH SERVICES: - ELLIS CONTINUED TO PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNMENT INSURANCE PROGRAMS INCLUDING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID, WHILE PROVIDING REDUCED RATES AND CHARITY CARE FOR SELF-PAY PATIENTS, AS DETAILED IN PARTS I AND III OF SCHEDULE H. MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (CHARITY CARE) COVERED ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF INPATIENT DISCHARGES DURING RECENT YEARS. |
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. 
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.