Newsletter July- September 2020
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Good afternoon,
Greetings from the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida. It is hard to believe we are three quarters of the way through 2020. It is an understatement to say that this has been a challenging year for too many of the members of our population. But the future holds hope…..hope that we continue to make progress in the fight against substance use and abuse, behavioral/mental health issues, cancer, food insecurity, and homelessness. Accessibility to housing, healthcare, and safe environments in which to work and play are important aspects of good health. Unfortunately, interwoven throughout these initiatives has been the ever-present threat of COVID-19, and the expectation of a vaccine as soon as possible.
The Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida has been engaged by the Northeast Florida Population Health Consortium to assist with the communication of evidenced-based information and educational outreach about the COVID-19 vaccine. There are already clinical trials underway that will lead to an effective and safe vaccine. We look forward to the time when folks are immune to this virus, and that our lives can get back to some sense of normality. In the meantime, all we can do is to behave responsibility if not for our own interest in good health, but in the interest of others.
Speaking of vaccinations, this year it is more important than ever to get your flu shot. Please protect yourself and do your part to be as healthy as you can be. The Duval County Medical Society website at #FluVaxJax has some great information as well which we have included.
I hope you enjoy this newsletter and the resources it provides. As always, feel free to reach out to me if you would like any additional information.
Best regards,
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Susan Grich
President & CEO
Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
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CDC OVERDOSE DATA TO ACTION GRANT
The Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida (HPCNEF) is partnering with the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (FDOH-Duval) on a three-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The purpose of the grant is twofold: to use data to better understand the opioid epidemic that is killing hundreds of Jacksonville residents each year, and to put that data into action for prevention. The primary role of HPCNEF is to manage the financial and grant administration aspects, including the management of subcontracts for services from community-based organizations. The stakeholder workgroup is continuing to meet to further explore the gaps revealed by local data and identify potential projects to fund through a request for proposals expected later this year. For more information, please contact OD2A
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA CANCER CONTROL COLLABORATIVE
The Northeast Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (NEFCCC) held its quarterly meeting on Aug 18, 2020. Approximately 20 members attended this virtual meeting and were provided with updates on cancer prevention and education efforts going on in the region. Updates provided to members also included the recent changes in recommendations for cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations, and an overview of an early lung cancer screening initiative that is being explored for Northeast Florida. In addition, members were given an update on the Florida Department of Health's Florida Cancer Control program. For more information about NEFCCC, please contact Kim Millrood
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ACA NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
The Health Planning Council Navigator program was recognized nationally for the identification and implementation of virtual meetings to reach our healthcare consumers. And all of this happened years before the current pandemic. HPCNEF has and continues to recognize the value of technology in reaching our diverse populations. Here is the inforamation you need to know to get help with health insurance:
All current Marketplace plans will end December 31, 2020 and in order to have coverage in 2021, individuals must re-enroll during Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment for 2021 Marketplace Health Insurance begins November 1st, 2020 and ends December 15th, 2020. Connect locally with the Health Planning Council’s Certified Navigators and schedule an appointment if you need assistance with questions about health insurance, help with marketplace applications and enrollment in Health Insurance Coverage for 2021. The Health Planning Council receives a grant from the Federal government so all Navigator services are free! For more information, contact Joyce Case at 904-762-8600 or to schedule an appointment with a Navigator, call 877-813-9115.
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ST. JOHNS RIVER RURAL HEALTH NETWORK
The St. Johns River Rural Health Network (SJRRHN) is a 501(c)(3) organization that HPCNEF administers through the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Office of Rural Health. SJRRHN applied for the Rural Health Network Development Grant in November 2019 and received Notice of Award in the amount of $900,000 for a three year project period that began on July 1, 2020! SJRRHN, in partnership with SMA Healthcare and HPCNEF, will develop a five year strategic plan during the 4th quarter to address behavioral health and disparities in Putnam County. For more information about SJRRHN, please contact Flora Davis.
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Flora Davis, Project Director of the St. Johns River Rural Health Network, has hand-stitched 30 re-usable masks gifting them to people in the community. She believes this is one small way she can help improve population health. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot. Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” –Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates there are over 270,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed and around 42,000 breast cancer deaths annually, making it the most common cancer and the second most fatal cancer in women.
UF Health Breast Center – Jacksonville is offering a free webinar open to the public. Hear from a panel of experts from the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville as they discuss the latest information on breast health. This webinar will be held on October 22 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. To learn more and register
COVID-19 UPDATES
Click below for the latest COVID-19 updates:
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Mayo Clinic is conducting a survey to see how our community feels about wearing a mask for COVID-19 protection. Take the survey
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Head Start/Early Head Start is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year! Learn more Head Start
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA AHEC
Northeast Florida AHEC offers many educational opportunities in our area, including tobacco cessation programs and wellness classes. To learn more and find a calendar of upcoming virtual programs, Northeast Florida AHEC
LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC HEALTH WEBINAR
This educational opportunity was developed by public health professionals at the University of Florida - College of Medicine and University of North Florida - Brooks College of Health to meet the identified needs of our community. Watch here Leadership Webinar
FLU VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
#FluVaxJax is a unique collaboration between First Coast hospitals and health systems, pharmacies, health insurance companies, safety net programs, FDOH, Jacksonville Mayor’s office, local media, and many others for a widespread message regarding the extreme importance of flu vaccines during a critical time when healthcare providers continue to battle COVID-19. Learn more FluVaxJax
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PEDIATRIC VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
VaxJaxKids is a local initiative to help spread the word to parents and caregivers about the need to protect their children against childhood diseases by following AAP and CDC's immunization guidelines and recommendations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, pertussis). Learn more VaxJaxKids
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US CENSUS 2020
Your voice counts! It's not too late to take the US Census 2020. The Census count will end on September 30th. It only takes a few minutes to complete online. Click here US Census 2020
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Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida | 904.448.4300 | Fax 904.448.4304 | www.hpcnef.org |
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