News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Rodgers, Executive Director
rodgersk@cf.edu
352-854-2322 ext. 1457
Public Policy Institute Presents 2007 Study: Access to Health Care
July 25, 2007– OCALA - FLORIDA
To provide leadership in identifying recommendations for an improved community, the Public Policy Institute (PPI) of Marion County will present the 2007 Study: Access to Health Care to the community at a reception on Wednesday, August 1, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Klein Conference Center at Central Florida Community College. Charles Dassance, PPI board chair, will discuss the vision and mission of the Institute. Dyer Michell, Access to Health Care Study chair, will present an overview of the study and the study management team will outline key findings and study recommendations. Karen Rodgers Rodgers, Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute will moderate the program and will also introduce the 2008 Study: The Structure of Local Government: What is Best for Marion County?
In September 2006, the Public Policy Institute 2007 Access to Health Care Study Committee began an 8-month research process to analyze and evaluate existing conditions and services and to develop recommendations that can be implemented locally to enhance access to health care in Ocala/Marion County. Over an eight-month period, meeting on a weekly basis, the 62 members of the study committee comprised of local health care professionals, educators, business and industry leaders, and concerned citizens heard from 46 speakers on a broad range of topics related to health care access. An additional six weeks were devoted to a careful analysis of the findings and development of recommendations in response to the Scope of Study.
Among the most pressing corrective measures contained in the key findings is the need for transparency of patient medical records throughout the health care and insurance industries. Major study recommendations also include the need to increase the number of health care professionals in Marion County, a plan for the establishment of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the implementation of a regional health information organization (RHIO), support for sustaining Marion County school wellness policy regarding nutrition education, physical education and physical activity, the expansion of public education including awareness of health care options and preventative measures, and the development of insurance alternatives.
Study recommendations outline a plan of action to address the gap between the need for health care and the availability of services, disparities related to primary care and specialty care, emergency room staffing and management, and the rising costs associated with pharmaceuticals and medical insurance.
About PPI: PPI (Public Policy Institute of Marion County) is dedicated to advancing the public interest, building democracy and community, and improving the quality of life by involving citizens in addressing community issues.