Eyes on Health

Chances are, you or someone you know will be a #FamilyCaregiver during your lifetime. You may even benefit from someone else’s help as you age. As former First Lady Roslyn Carter often reminded us, “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” Let's recognize everything that’s wonderful about this work and the people who perform and benefit from it. What's your caregiving story? #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth #Caregiving

One of our team members was privileged to attend the NAMI Idaho Conference last Friday and learn from some amazing organizations working to improve the mental wellbeing of young Idahoans. Megan Smith, Ph.D. of Communities for Youth shared some great data and spoke about how the Icelandic Prevention Model—originally intended to reduce substance use and abuse—is being more broadly applied to address youth mental health needs in the state. Benchmark Human Services spoke about mobile mental health crisis response teams being deployed directly to the homes of youth undergoing mental health crises to de-escalate emergent situations, give young people hope and self-determination and connect them to resources, services and follow up care. Kendyl Culpepper spoke about reducing stigma around schizophrenia and how she uses social media platforms to share her lived experiences and to dispel misperceptions about the condition. So many other great sessions and people putting in the hard work to ensure that our youth have access to the care they need. We'd love to hear what your organization is doing to improve youth mental health in Idaho and beyond. #namiidaho #communitiesforyouth #kendylculpepper

We're halfway through #healthliteracymonth! Health literacy is a critical social determinant of health. How does YOUR organization ensure people can find, understand, and use information to take action for their health? Check out these resources from the CDC: https://lnkd.in/dYjKt6y #healthliteracy

We're halfway through #healthliteracymonth! Health literacy is a critical social determinant of health. How does YOUR organization ensure people can find, understand, and use information to take action for their health? Check out these resources from the CDC: https://lnkd.in/dYjKt6y #healthliteracy

Today is Ageism Awareness Day. Learn more about how to reframe how we talk about aging and older adults in the workforce, the healthcare system, and our communities in general! 💡 What opportunities do we have as people live longer lives? #TalkAboutAgeism https://lnkd.in/gyWWHA_s

Better late than never! Our Eyes on Health team attended the NASHP | National Academy for State Health Policy 37th annual conference last month. It was our first time attending this outstanding gathering. Here's a sampling of what caught our eyes: 💡 The passion, dedication, and innovative spirit of the folks who work in state Medicaid offices, Depts of Health and Human Services, and all the many places where policy gets made and carried out to serve the health needs of all our citizens. 💡 Innovation bright spots like the New York State Office for the Aging's (https://lnkd.in/et-BUjpj) investment in technologies to help older adults deal with isolation and support caregivers (among other agetech pilots). 💡 Learning about Indigenous social determinants of health assessments that reflect the unique conditions and perspectives that influence the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native populations (https://lnkd.in/dPUP-ahF). 💡 Understanding why labor and delivery departments close in rural areas and efforts underway to support birthing people in less-resourced areas, including telehealth, expanded access to birth workers, and regional planning. 💡 Strong cross-sector collaborations working to improve community-based care and response for youth experiencing #MentalHealth crises in Illinois, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and elsewhere. And so much more! What got YOUR attention at #NASHPCONF2024?

Better late than never! Our Eyes on Health team attended the NASHP | National Academy for State Health Policy 37th annual conference last month. It was our first time attending this outstanding gathering. Here's a sampling of what caught our eyes: 💡 The passion, dedication, and innovative spirit of the folks who work in state Medicaid offices, Depts of Health and Human Services, and all the many places where policy gets made and carried out to serve the health needs of all our citizens. 💡 Innovation bright spots like the New York State Office for the Aging's (https://lnkd.in/et-BUjpj) investment in technologies to help older adults deal with isolation and support caregivers (among other agetech pilots). 💡 Learning about Indigenous social determinants of health assessments that reflect the unique conditions and perspectives that influence the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native populations (https://lnkd.in/dPUP-ahF). 💡 Understanding why labor and delivery departments close in rural areas and efforts underway to support birthing people in less-resourced areas, including telehealth, expanded access to birth workers, and regional planning. 💡 Strong cross-sector collaborations working to improve community-based care and response for youth experiencing #MentalHealth crises in Illinois, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and elsewhere. And so much more! What got YOUR attention at #NASHPCONF2024?

Great conversation yesterday with @Scott Curtis, CEO of the Idaho Youth Ranch. For over 70 years, the IYR has provided an amazing array of programs from adoption services to the thrift stores and work placement programs so many of us in Idaho are familiar with to their state-of-the-art Center for Healing and Resilience. The Center opened 64 beds to Idaho's youth about a year ago, helping to keep kids closer to family and friends as they receive long-term psychiatric care and recovery services. As we look at ways to improve youth mental health, it's such a fascinating model for how to both provide and fund care and was exciting to consider how we might help each other improve the mental health and wellness of youth in Idaho and beyond. Would love to know about other models that provide care, work placement, and other services for youth and their families. What other models for youth mental health care have worked well where you live?

Our strategy teammates Diana Stilwell, MPH and Bill Coffey are attending the NASHP | National Academy for State Health Policy conference next week in Nashville! This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect, share insights, and learn about the latest innovations and strategies in state health policy. We're particularly looking forward to sessions on supporting older adults, pregnant people, and those with behavioral health conditions. Are you also attending? Let's connect! #NASHPCONF2024

Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) sponsors National Health Center Week (NHCW) to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs). National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually. #NHCW24 Theme: Powering Communities Through Caring Connections Community Health Centers serve as a beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme focuses on empowering communities by connecting them with health centers and elected officials from all levels of government. Celebrate the uniqueness of your community and get to know those dedicated to lasting partnerships! https://lnkd.in/gjMdc5u Eyes on Health appreciates Community Health Centers and encourages everyone to support their local organizations!