MedNet (c) Compassionate Drug Program

The MedNet(c) program is a community-based initiative to increase access to prescription drug services for uninsured and medically needy residents in Seminole County. MedNet(c) uses Patient Advocates to assess patient medication needs; identify compassionate use programs; fill out and submit program applications; and receive requested medicines for program clients. The Health Council uses proprietary MedNet(c) software (from the Suncoast Health Council, Inc.) to coordinate program services and measure the annual retail value of drugs received.

Health Navigator Program

The Health Navigator project is an integral aspect of our "Healthy Seminole" effort. Healthy Seminole is the name given to our effort to create a comprehensive, coordinated system of care for the uninsured in Seminole County, Florida. This effort entails increasing access to care for the uninsured through development of expanded primary care capacity, creation of a secondary/specialty care network, implementation of a compassionate drug program, and expansion of dental services.

The Health Navigator is a key point of entry into our system of care. They work with individuals and families to access needed health and social services and assist them in securing financial assistance. The Health Navigator project also includes development of a web-based resource inventory with the local 2-1-1 service for use by clients and their families, as well as by providers, agencies, case managers, churches, etc., who assist individuals with identifying available community services. The project also includes a robust evaluation component intended to measure the impact of the Health Navigator project in reducing unnecessary hospitalization and improving access to care and health outcomes.

"This Side Up...While Sleeping" SIDS Awareness Campaign

We have learned through previous projects that despite good prenatal care access and support for pregnant mothers, many mothers across all racial and socieo-economic levels are unaware or have chosen to ignore the rule that their new, healthy babies must be placed on their backs to sleep in a bassinet, crib or cradle - not on their bellies and not in their bed with the parents. We have found an alarming increase in the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths and co-sleeping, roll-over deaths in Orange County. We know that nothing in life could be more tragic than the loss of a new baby. The Heath Council of East Central Florida, through funding from the "100 Women Strong", is doing something about this tragic trend. HCECF has developed a SIDS education campaign and is distributing to every baby born in a hospital or birthing center in Orange County, a "onsie" that says " THIS SIDE UP... while sleeping". That is an estimated 17,000 families who will receive this life-saving message. The onsies are also packaged with information about postpartum and well-baby care, in addition to the SIDS education materials.

ROCK - Reducing Obesity in Central Florida Kids

ROCK, Reducing Obesity in Central FLorida Kids, is a regional consortium ensuring healthy lifestyles that eliminate the risk for childhood obesity. This effort will be accomplished through a web-based networking communication portal, dissemination of a consistent social marketing message, and community collaboration to advance initiatives targeted to prevent childhood obesity. Success will be measured through the comparison of community survey data conducted in five-year intervals, BMI data collection, community-based scientific research studies and program evaluation.