McSilver recently hosted a two part lecture series on lecture on the redesign of New York State Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Part one, held on Wednesday, April 18th, focused on the proposed changes and their impact on children and families. The panel included Dr. Kimberly Hoagwood, Dr. Peter Campanelli, Stella Pappas and Gerry Burton. Dr. Hoagwood of NYU Medical Center began the lecture exploring the growing role of primary care and the integration of health and behavior health services. She described the growing role of consumers in peer-led services and as peer advocates. Additionally, she highlighted the need for social workers to become involved in evidence-based digital tools and strategies. To view Dr. Hoagwood’s presentation, click here.
Dr. Campanelli and Ms. Pappas, CEO and COO respectively of the Institute for Community Living (ICL), spoke about how safety net organizations will be impacted as well as potential opportunities for collaborations within and between programs. They discussed how social workers are in a unique position to act as the “unifying glue” in an increasingly more integrated healthcare system. To view the presentation from ICL, click here. Finally, parent advocate Gerry Burton, of Columbia University, talked about family driven care and parent advocate involvement. To view Ms. Burton’s presentation, click here.
Part two of series was held on April 30th and continued the discussion of upcoming changes in the health care system with a focus on HIV+ individuals. The lecture began with an introduction of our keynote speaker, Councilmember Annabel Palma, by McSilver Advisory Board member and NYU Trustee Phyllis Barasch. Councilmember Palma detailed her personal trajectory to becoming the Chair of the City Council’s General Welfare Committee, including her struggles as a single, young mother and the loss of both of her parents to HIV/AIDS. She encouraged the audience to become involved in the legislative process and work to make sure that their voices are heard by the government.
The next speaker, Daniel Tietz, RN, JD of the AIDS Community Research Institute of America, presented many of the technical aspects of how NY Medicaid redesign will be implemented, including the increase in managed care and health homes, integration of substance abuse treatment into mental health and health models of care, and the use of peer-led services. In particular, he emphasized the emerging importance of health homes and their comprehensive and efficient structure. To view Mr. Tietz’s presentation, click here.
Following Mr. Tietz, Dr. Mary Acri of Columbia University and Dr. Jerrold Jackson of Mount Sinai School of Medicine presented their research about individuals living with HIV. Dr. Acri presented a qualitative study exploring the use of medical care and medications. She found that although most participants had a regular care provider and were taking medications, they did not attend appointments or take medications consistently, indicating that they only went to the doctor when they were sick and were confused about their medication regimens. Mr. Jackson presented quantitative research highlighting the impact of the HealthBridge project, an intensive peer-led intervention, on the rates of attendance to outpatient care after hospitalization for HIV+ individuals. He found that individuals using the HealthBridge services had significantly fewer hospital admissions than those who did not. To view the research presentation, click here.
Finally, Anita Rivera-Rodriguez, a Bronx Community Collaborative Board Member, shared her experiences as both a mother and community member, as well as an HIV educator. She described the largest concerns about HIV in the community, including the need for information, preventing stigma, and connecting with prevention and care services. To view Ms. Rivera-Rodriguez’s presentation, click here.
The McSilver Institute would like to thank all of the presenters of their spring lecture series for their valuable knowledge and insightful presentations, as well as the attendees of the series. A new exciting series of lectures will be featured starting in the fall.
