The Health Choice Network and the American Heart Association are improving healthcare access for underserved communities in South Florida
Imagine a Miami bustling with life, its vibrant energy a testament to its diverse communities. But beneath the surface, a hidden struggle unfolds. Many residents, particularly in underserved areas, face challenges accessing quality healthcare. Here's where the Health Choice Network and the American Heart Association step in, a powerful force dedicated to improving health outcomes in South Florida.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with a key figure at the Health Choice Network, Antoinette Anwar. Anwar's role as Chronic Disease Coordinator highlights their dedication to preventative care, focusing on cardiovascular health and maternal health initiatives. Their conversation shed light on the organization's mission and the ongoing efforts to empower patients to take charge of their well-being.
The power of collaboration: Health Choice Network and the American Heart Association
The Health Choice Network stands out as the first-of-its-kind, Health Center controlled network. They offer crucial support to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) by providing essential business services. These services range from financial and technological assistance to clinical quality support.
Antoinette Anwar through their work, exemplifies this collaborative spirit. They leverage data to streamline workflows and optimize electronic health records, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes. This focus on preventative care aligns perfectly with the mission of the American Heart Association (AHA), a long-standing partner in their heart health initiatives. Together, they strive to educate and empower patients to take proactive steps toward a healthier life.
FQHCs: A Safety Net for Underserved Communities
FQHCs play a vital role in South Florida's healthcare landscape. These healthcare organizations are designed specifically to serve medically underserved communities, regardless of their ability to pay. FQHCs offer comprehensive primary care services, often including dental, behavioral health, and even specialty care. In essence, they act as a medical home for patients, providing a holistic approach to healthcare.
The conversation highlighted the importance of establishing a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP). Regular checkups with a PCP allow for proactive healthcare, enabling early detection and prevention of chronic illnesses like heart disease. Building trust with a PCP empowers patients to take charge of their health and participate actively in informed decision-making.
Despite being the leading cause of death in the US, heart disease often goes undetected. Many FQHC patients face social determinants of health, like financial insecurity, which can limit access to healthy food choices. This, in turn, contributes to risk factors like obesity. The American Heart Association, along with Health Choice Network, is actively addressing these challenges by promoting healthy living habits within these communities.
The American Heart Association: Addressing Health Literacy and Cultural Competency
The interview delved into a recent grant awarded to American Heart Association by the Florida Blue Foundation. This $300,000 grant, spread over four years, aims to improve health literacy rates and cultural competency among underserved residents in South Florida.
With nearly 36% of adults in the US struggling with low health literacy, navigating the complex healthcare system becomes a major challenge. This initiative partnered with three South Florida Community Health Centers: Community Health of South Florida, Borinquen Medical Centers, and Miami Beach Community Health Center.
The American Heart Association will collaborate with local health literacy experts and medical translators to create educational materials in Spanish and Creole. Furthermore, the Community Health Centers will work with these experts to identify existing gaps and needs. By doing so, they can develop toolkits, workshops, and training programs that promote health literacy and cultural competency among both healthcare providers and patients.
The conversation also explored the significant barriers to healthcare access faced by many in South Florida. Limited and expensive public transportation options restrict access to crucial medical services, particularly for patients with limited financial resources. Additionally, housing insecurity creates further challenges in prioritizing healthcare.
Health literacy, the ability to find, understand, and act on health information, emerged as another crucial factor. The fragmented healthcare system and language barriers can make navigating health information difficult.
“We are grateful for the Florida Blue Foundation and the support of advancing health equity in our community. To improve health literacy, we developed educational toolkits for the greater population to understand medical terminology in common language. With the support of community organizations like HCN, we will continue to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives as we head into our second century.”
Sabine Delouche, Community Impact Director at the American Heart Association
Empowering Patients: Communication, Collaboration, and Taking Charge
The conversation offered valuable insights into improving communication between healthcare providers and patients. Utilizing translation services, simplifying medical language, and employing visuals were suggested as effective ways to bridge this communication gap. The American Heart Association efforts to update educational materials with these principles in mind were acknowledged as a positive step forward.
Motivational interviewing, a collaborative approach that encourages patients to participate in their own healthcare decisions, was highlighted as a success story in improving health literacy. This method empowers patients to take ownership of their health and work with their providers to make informed decisions.
Cultural competence, the ability to provide effective care across cultures, is vital in South Florida's diverse
Cultural competence, the ability to provide effective care across cultures, is vital in South Florida's diverse community. The conversation emphasized the importance of a healthcare workforce that reflects the community it serves. This, combined with ongoing cultural competency training for medical professionals, is crucial for ensuring effective patient-provider interactions.
Antoinette Anwar provided an example of a successful approach. One of their member health centers employs a team of community health workers who represent the diverse patient population they serve. These workers collaborate with community partners and organizations to conduct cultural competency training for the team. By fostering this inclusive environment, the health center has established itself as a trusted provider within its diverse community.
The conversation concluded with a powerful message: Your health is your responsibility. Taking an active role in your well-being is crucial. By advocating for yourself, becoming informed about your health, and building a relationship with a PCP, you can empower yourself to make informed decisions and live a long and healthy life.
For more information on the American Heart Association visit heart.org.
Do you have a story to share about your experience with healthcare access in South Florida? Let us know in the comments below!
Don't forget to subscribe to Calle Ocho News for the latest health news and insights impacting Miami residents!
Add Comment