Posted March 31, 2009
The Alliance is only reporting on the facts, not whether they are good or bad. The President’s proposal is a total revamping of the healthcare delivery system. Some call it Universal Healthcare, others call it simply healthcare for all Americans. Whatever you call it, change is on the way. Wall Street is already commenting on the proposals of the Administration as health plan stocks such as Aetna and Humana have dropped significantly from where they were … a year ago.
What is the vision? The vision is simple: Every American has the absolute right to affordable, able to access and quality healthcare.
What does this mean? It means that programs like MediCaid and Medicare will be expanded to cover more people and more products. This increases access to insurance. Then the idea is to allow people choices. They can keep what they have or they can buy into the federal system which would be similar to the benefits federal employees receive.
What the facts show now is that premiums continue to rise as health plans attempt to cover losses. Reimbursements to doctors are being reduced so the return to health plans is greater. What is also occurring now is less doctors are becoming primary care doctors, which means access to primary care is more challenging. Managed care doctors work on a ratio of 2200 patients per doctor and often incentives are provided for not seeing patients. As there becomes less doctors, the patient load will increase and the compensation will decrease. Therefore, the facts justify some change. What Congress will review is what type of change should occur and whether is should be in phases.
How does this affect your community? Many communities have large hospitasl and a strong medical presence. These communities will see significant economic changes. Communities who have little healthcare have great opportunities now and will have more as these changes occur.
Did you know that there are government loan funds at 3% interest available to assist medical clinics as well as grant funds available in the federal budget? Money is available to provide medical groups economic incentives to go into rural communities like Sanger, California and other communities.
Programs that can be centered around a medical clinic could include funding for the clinic, staffing, a mobile health unit (exam room), teleMed and more. This is a primary focus of the Alliance. It can lead to funding for jobs, increased economics for a community and much more.
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There is no doubt that the President and Congress are keen on protecting the environment. In protecting the environment there is a strong desire for alternative energy and also the increases use of recycled products.
Funding is, and will continue to be, available for energy sources like solar and wind. Many communities are looking to be significantly off the grid within the next 5 to 10 years. Now many solar companies are providing warranties backed up by insurance to remove some financial risk from local government agencies. Funding is available to offset start up costs.
Recycled products such as rubber are becoming a way of life in resurfacing streets and in recreational areas. Although concerns have been voiced by some environmental groups, the tire recycling industry has done a good job in overcoming those issues and the product is now being used in cities like Indio, California. Tires have no home in landfills and need to be recycled. The rubber, the metal, the oil all have a place in the recycled community.
And again, there is funding available to cities to encourage them to use recycled products. But the key here is you must ask the question, no agency volunteers the information.
The National Alliance for Healthy Communities supports any legislation that improves the quality of our environment and protects the environment for future generations. With financial incentives for cities there is no reason not to get involved in the process. Ask for funds and legislative support. Call us.
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A major concern to employers is, “do you hire before the business comes through the door or after?” Every state has federal funds to assist businesses in paying for new hires and training from direct payments to tax credits. California, as an example, has over 600 million dollars a year for these efforts. The same funds can be used to assist public and private education starting at the 3rd grade level.
Great programs, but unless you ask you cannot receive.
The National Alliance has been involved in these types of programs for many years and has great insight to the funding.
Do not forget, SHOVEL READY. This is the most important term that you can use in getting federal funding. This means the projects are almost ready to go. The rationale is that the project is needed, that the project produces jobs short and long term and that it is good for the environment. No one will come knocking on your door. You not only need to ask, you need to submit a proposal that is sensitive to the funding sources thoughts and objectives. Your proposal needs to contain all the proper buzz words and phrases or it becomes just another good proposal.
Posted March 30, 2009
NAFHC works to build a healthy quality of life while ensuring health and safety in the communities. NAFHC works with businesses to review protocols and business plans to meet or exceed the level of expectation that the consumer has for public health and safety. Protocols include attending 3 workshops, training programs and successfully completing the program. Upon passing onsite inspection, confirmation of participation in ongoing continuing education programs and full access to the site here and abroad for inspections - The National Alliance For Healthy Communities certification will be issued.
The Alliance will allow those certified to recieve weekly updates on regulations and protocols as well as other information. The Alliance will also be involved in research and publishing reports related to products from countries including the United States. Press releases will be distributed by the Alliance and the Alliance will hold a conference once a year to bring regulators, consumers, businesses, government and the media together.
The Alliance is pleased to announce:
Brian SooHoo, a broker of record for trade from Asia, has passed the certification requirements of the National Alliance for Healthy Communities. Mr. SooHoo passed the background and professional standards test and he has agreed to meet or exceed the standards of the Alliance.
He is currently the exclusive broker of record for the Alliance.
The Alliance has stringent requirements and Mr. SooHoo is the first broker to meet or exceed our standards.
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NAFHC is partnering with Chivas USA to create youth Soccer Clinics throughout Southern California. The event, open to Youths, features drills, tips and techniques by AYSO Certified Coaches. A special guest appearance from a pro Chivas USA player and a healthy eating habits session will be held on site. NAFHC is currently creating alliances with other professional sports teams in addition to Chivas USA.
Posted February 10, 2009
The NAFHC hosted The Riverside Health Summit and High Desert Health Summit. Partnering with community leaders from across the region to engage in an Executive Exchange with featured key-note speakers and Q&A with Herb Schultz, Senior Advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
NAFHC is expanding the summit program to other parts of California and the U.S.
The Healthy Woman is the first ever comprehensive women’s health guide from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health—the nation’s leading experts in women’s health.
The Healthy Woman covers a wide range of topics, from heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, to healthy aging, pregnancy, respiratory health and nutrition. It also includes personal stories, tips for communicating with your doctor, a how-to-guide for reading medication labels and a screening chart.
Click here to find out more:
www.womenshealth.gov/the-healthy-woman
