DCPCA Health News Alert
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

CONTENTS

1.  DCPCA News:  The Alert is changing...  Have you noticed?
2.  Article:  Will electronic medical records really improve health care?
3.  Article:  New York state health IT strategy may be model for the nation
4.  Article:  Physicians use technology, but don't like it
5.  Article:  Many Americans forgo routine dental care
6.  Article:  21% of Americans scramble to pay medical, drug bills
7.  Article:  Common cold / Stroke / Cancer
8.  Article:  Making healthy eating fun
9.  Article:  Council bill would expand food stamps
10.  Article:  For homeless children, Virginia ranks 31st in nation
11.  Article:  Women's Foundation gives $100K in awards
12.  Article:  AT&T donor service aids local charities
13.  Article:  Third of grant money targets local communities
14.  Article:  Freddie Mac names John Koskinen interim CEO
15.  Editorial Cartoon:  The U.S. economy has no health insurance

Read summaries and/or find links to originial articles below...

1.  DCPCA News:  The Alert is changing...  Have you noticed?
DC Primary Care Association, March 11, 2009

The Daily Local Health Alert has been renamed the DCPCA Health News Alert and that's not all that's changing!  DCPCA recently asked representatives of both internal and external audiences for their feedback about the Alert.  Everyone valued the Alert because of its current health news content and the Events/Jobs/Resources sections, but also wanted to hear more information about DCPCA's projects, initiatives, and activities.  Additionally, we discovered that some subscribers couldn't receive the Alert because it was being caught in their organizations' spam filters.  DCPCA also heard from respondents that the Events/Jobs/Resources sections were often overlooked since they were so far down in the e-blast.  As a result, the Alert that you receive provides you with a quick overview of the news, and with one easy click, you will land on the DCPCA Health News Alert Web page that contains all the news summaries and hyperlinks to the original articles.  The Alert is still a work in progress with more improvements on the way.  Look for the Alert to arrive in your in-box every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

2.  Article:  Will Electronic Records Really Improve Health Care?
By Joseph Brownstein and Lauren Cox, ABC News, March 10, 2009

Summary:  The movement toward electronic medical records is supposed to guarantee a more secure means of storing medical data.  A new study from Kaiser Permanente implemented an EMR program in Hawaii in 2004.  The move to EMRs came because of a demand for contact with physicians in ways other than visiting the office each time patients needed something from their doctor.  While the Kaiser study of its system gave some reassurances about patient satisfaction, cost remained a concern.  Unlike most physicians who receive fee-for-service payments, Kaiser's physicians are paid a set salary.  Skeptics questioned the cost savings that EMRs bring.  While many doctors expressed that it makes intuitive sense, many expressed skepticism.  A lack of meaningful cost-benefit analysis makes creating the business case for health IT adoption a challenge, and costs still remain the number-one barrier cited by all surveys assessing adoption.  For patients, the main concern about EMRs is their privacy.  Patients may be relieved to hear that a larger system will be more secure than what we have now.

3.  Article:  New York State Health IT Strategy May Be Model For The Nation
By Yolanda Barron, M.S., Dr. Erika L. Abramson, and Dr. Vaishali Patel (Weill Cornell Medical College, ScienceDaily, March 10, 2009

Summary:  Health information technology programs implemented in New York state are active and functioning a full two years after being established, and could serve as models for new federal initiatives.  These programs could transform the way health care is delivered nationally and locally.  If implemented correctly, information technology systems -- including electronic health records -- have the potential to improve quality of care, increase efficiency and cost savings, reduce medical errors, and enhance continuity of care.  The federal government is poised to pour $19 billion into HIT as part of the new economic stimulus package.  At present, NYS is substantially ahead of the game, with approximately $250 million allocated for HIT and EHRs that can connect to other systems through the statewide health information exchange network, or interoperable HIT.  The Healthcare Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers Capital Grant Program is the largest state-based investment of its kind, surpassing the next largest state program by a factor of eight.  Currently, $160M in HEAL NY funds were granted and $230M in private sector dollars committed to health IT infrastructure, bringing New York's current investment to $390M.

4.  Article:  Survey: Physicians use technology but don't like it
Washington Business Journal, Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Summary:  The percentage of physicians using electronic medical records has nearly doubled in five years, according to a survey by the American College of Physician Executives.  The Tampa, Fla.-based organization, which provides medical management education for physicians, also found that most physicians consider EMRs clunky and unresponsive to their needs.  The survey findings were released a few weeks after approval of a federal $787 billion economic stimulus that includes $19B for health information technology, including $17B for incentives and penalties to encourage doctors and hospitals to abandon paper record-keeping and go high-tech beginning in 2011.  About 1,000 members of the ACPE responded to the 2009 survey, which was a repeat of a survey conducted in 2004.  Some of the findings were:  More than 64% of respondents in the 2009 survey used EMRs -- up from 33% in 2004; About 44% said their organization uses computerized order entry, while only about 33% used the systems five years ago (Computerized physician order entry systems are electronic prescribing systems that intercept errors when medications are ordered.); and More than 38% use pharmaceutical bar coding -- up from 20% in 2004.  Some physicians embrace the new technology, but a larger number view it as frustrating and difficult to use.  ACPE received comments that the technology lowers productivity, that the cost is prohibitive, and that systems don't do a good job of talking to one another.

5.  Article:  Many Americans say they forgo routine dental care
By Mary Brophy Marcus, USA TODAY, March 10, 2009

Summary:  Skipping regular dental visits could land Americans in the chair down the road with far more serious and costly tooth and gum problems, as new data reveal many Americans chose not to see a dentist last year.  The message of the value of our teeth isn't getting through.  If people consider dental care a luxury item, they're shorting themselves.  Prevention's always cheaper than fixing problems later.  More than one-third of the population -- 34% -- didn't visit a dentist last year at all.  Dentists' incomes are dropping, and patients who've lost dental insurance are asking about alternate payment plans or skipping appointments.  In nine states, close to half of residents didn't visit a dentist last year, even though the ADA recommends twice-yearly cleanings and check-ups.  Men, African Americans, Hispanics, and seniors were more likely to skip -- an historic pattern.  Over half of those making less than $2,000 a month reported omitting visits as well.  Lower-cost options exist where patients can receive low-fee cleanings from dental students overseen by professors.  Clinics and programs exist for people who can't afford dental care.  Volunteer dentists go to underserved areas throughout the year and treat hundreds of underserved patients.  Patients should talk with their dentist about modified care and payment plans, and keep up meticulous home care such as brushing and flossing.  The $100 you spend now on a cleaning and filling may be the $3,000 you save later on a root canal and crown.

6.  Article:  21% of Americans scramble to pay medical, drug bills
By Liz Szabo and Julie Appleby (and Susan Page), USA TODAY, March 10, 2009

Summary:  Millions of Americans struggled last year to pay for health care or medications, according to the largest poll ever conducted by Gallup shows.  As the economy fell, the percentage who reported having trouble paying for needed health care or medicines during the previous 12 months rose from 18% in January 2008 to 21% in December, according to the poll of 355,334 Americans.  Each percentage point change in the full survey represents about 2.2 million people says Gallup's chief scientist for well-being and workplace management.  Gallup, along with disease management company Healthways, surveyed a random sample of about 1,000 people nearly every day during 2008 about their physical, emotional, and economic well-being.  The poll, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, shows that struggles to pay crossed all socioeconomic lines, but hit some Americans harder than others.  More than half of the uninsured had trouble paying for health care or medications during the year.  So did more than 30% of Blacks and Hispanics, compared with 17% of Whites and 13% of Asians.  Overall, women had more trouble than men.  Those who were divorced, widowed, or in domestic partner arrangements fared less well than those who were married.

7.  Article:  Common Cold / Stroke / Cancer
By Linda Searing, The Washington Post, Quick Study, Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Summary:  Some believe that Vitamin D, the nutrient most often linked to calcium and the maintenance of strong bones, might also help prevent colds.  Is such a belief grounded in fact?  The sunshine vitamin may offer some protection.  //  Might unhealthy living make stroke more likely?  Lifestyle issues may play a role in stroke development.  //  Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth and helps muscles and blood vessels expand and contract.  Might it also help the body fight off cancer?  Calcium may have an effect on digestive cancers.

8.  Article:  Making healthy eating fun
By Stephanie Green, The Washington Times, Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Summary:  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the Cookie Monster joined forces to encourage children and parents to take a bite out of healthy eating.  Healthy Habits for Life: Get Healthy Now is a new partnership between Sesame Workshop, the educational wing of Sesame Street, and the National Women, Infants and Children Association -- a nonprofit that helps low-income pregnant women and nursing mothers receive proper nutrition and food assistance.  WIC will be delivering family-friendly messages from Sesame Street characters to implement the program's new food packages, which will incorporate more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, tofu, and soy beverages.  The campaign also includes a media component with a DVD and picture book for children featuring Sesame Street characters.  The Obama administration is placing a priority on the looming crisis of child obesity, and plans to eliminate child hunger by 2015.  Last weekend, the George Washington University Hospital and the Junior League sponsored the Healthy Lifestyle Fair where children ages 5 to 15 were invited to take the first steps toward a healthy lifestyle.  The fair was born out of the growing response to overweight people and the associated problems such as diabetes and hypertension.  Some 150 children were taught about portion control, sugar in foods, and how to pick healthy snacks through a series of amusing demonstrations that engaged the children at their level.

9.  Article:  DC Council Bill Would Expand Food Stamps
By Nikita Stewart, The Washington Post, District Briefing, Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Summary:  Thousands of District residents would become eligible for food stamps or for additional food stamps under legislation that would let the District take advantage of two federal programs, said Councilmember Michael Brown (I-At Large).  Brown decided to take on the issue while he was on the campaign trail and learned that some senior citizens were receiving $10 a month in benefits.  The legislation would enable the District to expand eligibility for assistance by raising the maximum household income from 130% to 200% of the federal poverty level.  Some low-income households could begin receiving food stamps; some could receive $30-$60 a month more in food stamps.  Also read:  Recession Hasn't Missed Renters by Miranda S. Spivack, The Washington Post, Tuesday, March 10, 2009.

10.  Article:  Homeless Children: State Ranks 31st in Nation, Report Shows
Associated Press, The Washington Post, Virginia Briefing, Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Summary:  A new report ranks Virginia 31st in the nation in number of homeless children.  The report by the National Center on Family Homelessness finds one of every 50 American children experiences homelessness, and most states have inadequate plans to address the problem.  Analysts looked at data from 2005-2006 and estimated that 1.5 million children experienced homelessness at least once during that period.  The problem is probably worse now because of foreclosures and job losses during the recession.  According to the report, Virginia had 18,214 homeless children: 7,650 under age 6; 8,624 in grades K-8; and 1,940 in high school.  For more info, read:  The Full State Report Card on Child Homeless in America.

11.  Article:  Women's Foundation gives $100K in awards
By Tierney Plumb, Washington Business Journal, Monday, March 9, 2009

Summary:  The Washington Area Women's Foundation gave $100,000 to 10 local nonprofits through its 2009 leadership awards program.  The organizations are located in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  Between March 16 and 27, the public can vote online for its favorite nonprofit among the 10 award winners.  The winner will receive an additional $5,000.  A 60-person volunteer committee -- made up of donors to the DC-based foundation -- picked the winners by researching 54 nominated nonprofits through phone interviews and site visits.  For this year's awards theme, the foundation chose to pick small nonprofits that work to improve the health and safety of low-income women and girls.  Winners include:  Boat People SOS, Inc.; Calvary Women's Shelter; Daughter for the Day, Inc.; DC Trafficking Intervention Program at Polaris Project; Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project; Extended Day Program at Washington Middle School for Girls; Family Preservation and Strengthening Services; Friends of Guest House; Second Chance Employment Services; and Through The Kitchen Door, which trains battered women in DC to cook healthy foods for their families and to work in a commercial kitchen.

12.  Article:  AT&T donor service aids local charities
By Tierney Plumb, Washington Business Journal, Friday, February 27, 2009

Summary:  Through a new partnership between Truist and CharityCall, two local charities will benefit from a new speed dial-to-donate service.  AT&T Wireless U.S. subscribers can give $25 to a charity from any AT&T mobile device without entering a text message or exchanging private financial or user information.  Five U.S. charities were initially picked to participate, which include Bethesda-based EarthShare and DC-based Global Action for Children.  DC-based Truist, a for-profit company that accelerates the chain of giving from donor to recipient, plans to add more charities to the service down the line.  The $25 donation is a one-time charge billed to the user's AT&T Wireless monthly statement.  AT&T users can make this phone call without having to engage the user to punch a bunch of digits.  It's a quick and easy process that appeals to a 100% wireless audience, not just a person that uses text-based services.  Donors dial 505 and hit a two-digit code that corresponds to one of the charities.  Joyful Heart Foundation, one of the five charities on the list, has celebrity roots.  Mariska Hargitay, star of NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," founded the New York-based nonprofit in 2004.  Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina and American Red Cross of Orange County are also participating.  AT&T users are limited to spend an additional $100 per month -- in excess of their monthly wireless bill -- for donations, downloads, ringtones, and other added charges.

13.  Article:  Third of grant money targets local communities
By Jonathan O'Connell, Washington Business Journal, Friday, February 20, 2009

Summary:  About one-third of the grant money given by charitable foundations in the Washington region goes to organizations focused on improving local communities, according to a recent report by the Foundation Center, a New York City-based research group.  There are roughly 1,600 charitable foundations in the region, accounting for $12.7 billion in assets.  Many of them locate in the area for its proximity to the federal government or foreign embassies and there has been little previous research on what portion make grants locally.  Foundation Center researchers reviewed 2006 giving by 1,200 foundations based in the District, suburban Maryland, or Northern Virginia, about three-quarters of all those in the area, as well as more than 24,500 grants.  They found that 33%, or $186 million, of the $560M in grants went to nonprofits and other organizations that focus on the needs of local communities.  A higher portion of grants, 44% or $245M, were awarded to organizations based elsewhere.  Another 23%, $128M, went to organizations based in the Washington area, but that are focused on national or international work.  The study was funded by the DC-based Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, which makes donations exclusively to locally focused organizations.

14.  Article:  Freddie Mac names John Koskinen interim CEO
By Bryant Ruiz Switzky, Washington Business Journal, Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Summary:  Mortgage giant Freddie Mac named John Koskinen interim CEO and Robert Glauber interim non-executive chairman.  The appointments will be effective upon the departure of current CEO David Moffett, who will step down by March 13 to work elsewhere in the financial services sector.  Koskinen has been non-executive chairman at McLean-based Freddie Mac since September 2008.  Before that, he spent four years as president of the U.S. Soccer Foundation.  From 2000 to 2003 he was deputy mayor and city administrator of DC.  He was assistant to the president and chair of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion from 1998 to 2000 and deputy director for management of the Office of Management and Budget from 1994 to 1997.  When Freddie Mac finds a permanent CEO, Koskinen will likely return to the position of non-executive chairman.  Before his government work, Koskinen was president and CEO of The Palmieri Co., participating in the restructuring of large, troubled enterprises including the Penn Central, the Teamsters Pension Fund, Levitt and Sons Inc., and Mutual Benefit.  Koskinen also serves on the boards of The AES Corp., American Capital, Ltd., and the nonprofit DC Education Compact.

15.  Editorial Cartoon:  The U.S. Economy has no Health Insurance
By Tom Toles, The Washington Post, Sunday, March 8, 2009

> NEW  EVENTS 

Healthwise Lunch Series -- HPV Vaccine
Friday, March 13th, 12:15 - 1:30 pm
ReedSmith, East Tower, 11th Floor
Conference Room 11F, 1301 K Street NW
The National Research Center for Women & Families invites you to lunch to discuss what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of Gardasil -- the only HPV vaccine sold in the U.S.  Speakers include:  Susan Wood, Ph.D., professor at the George Washington University; and Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D., former director, FDA's Office for Women's Health and current president, National Research Center for Women & Families.  For more info, or to RSVP, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  at (202) 223-4000.

DC Council Hearing for Youth Only
Saturday, March 14th, 10 am
The John A. Wilson Building, 5th Floor Chamber
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Calling all young people!  Don't miss this opportunity to speak out about the issues that affect your life.  The hearing will be televised live on Channel 13.  Each witness is limited to three minutes of testimony.  Enter on the D Street side of the Wilson Building.  To sign up to testify, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  at (202) 724-8196.

> NEW JOBS

WANTED:  Public Health/Community Health Nursing Career Opportunities
Prior to beginning her academic career in nursing, the candidate was employed as a community health educator for Capital Health System in Hamilton, NJ, with a primary responsibility to develop health education programs based on the needs of the clientele.  Candidate has a Master of Public Health, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist.  This senior at Rutgers University College of Nursing will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing this May, and is interested in future employment opportunities.  For more info, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bilingual Community Health Workers, DCPCA
Spanish speaking-bilingual workers needed for Community Health Workers.  For more info, or for consideration, send resume and cover letter to Ms. Ivy Mosley, Administrative Services Manager, or fax to (202) 638-4557. 

> NEW RESOURCES 

White House Internship Program
The program provides a unique opportunity to gain job experience and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building leadership skills.  This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthening their understanding of the executive office and preparing them for future public service possibilities.  In addition to normal office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.  White House internships are full-time, unpaid positions.  Visit the Web site for more details, requirements, and how to apply.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

How to Submit a Posting:  Send a brief summary (100 words or less) to dha (at) dcpca (dot) org.  Include links for fliers and/or your organization.  If you don't have a Web site or immediate posting capabilities, send an attachment.  In the subject line, write:  POSTING for DCPCA Health News Alert and the DATE, if an event.