CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 3, 2008
TO: D. Mike Good, City Manager
FROM: Marian McCann-Colliee, Director, Human Services Department
SUBJECT: Presentation of HITS Program by Memorial Hospital
PURPOSE:
The City Commission receive a report and recommendation regarding the Health Intervention Through Targeted Services (HITS) Program, implemented in the Palms of Hallandale Beach portion of the City.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of the HITS project is to reduce the number of medically uninsured residents who do not have health care coverage. This project began in November 2007. Staff of the City and Memorial met before starting the project to decide on the targeted area and the Northwest Quadrant was chosen. This area of the city was selected in order to complement the Palms of Hallandale Beach, Weed and Seed Initiative. The project initially designated ten blocks where there would be a concentration of services in the Palms with inclusion of the Hepburn Center, Chaves Lakes Apartments and Foster Park. In addition some other key locations (Eagles Wings, BF James Park, Ebenezer Baptist Church) were included to maximize outreach to the public. The Hepburn Center also served as the host site for the Coordinator and Outreach staff from Memorial to have a local office. Based on the positive response from residents, staff and the project outcomes it is evident that HITS was a successful collaboration of the City and Memorial Healthcare Systems.
DISCUSSION
The following information is a summary of the project:
· Palms of Hallandale Beach HITS was a six month project from November 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008 that targeted a ten block section of the City to improve access to health care services.
· Services Included:
► Door to door surveying (514 households).
► In home intake assessments to maximize completion of
paperwork
► Mobile Health Unit onsite twice per week that alternated
locations between the Hepburn Center and Chaves Lakes
Apartment Complex. This included a separate Mobile Unit
for Adults and Pediatric that was staffed with doctors and nurses.
► Six Health Fairs held throughout the Palms.
► Twelve Lectures/Workshops held for youth, teens, adults
and seniors that focused on issues of importance to their
health.
· Project Outcomes
► 573 individuals assessed for health insurance
► 350 or 61% were actual Hallandale residents
► 27% of the Hallandale residents were from the targeted area
► 48.2% of the 573 were uninsured
► 6.3% of uninsured completed the process and are approved*
for Primary Center Care (PCC).
► 2% of uninsured qualified for Medicaid
► Less then 1% of individuals were non-compliant
*It should be noted that several individuals/families cases are still pending approval. Families who qualified for Florida KidCare were also assisted with their application process.
· Additional Services
► Pediatric Unit - Child physicals, immunizations, sickle cell
testing, Child-Identification
► Adult Unit - blood pressure and cholesterol checks, Flu and
Pneumonia and tetanus shots, HIV testing
The level of success of this project could not have been accomplished without the willingness of each partner to work in collaboration for the community. In addition to the Human Services Department engagement in this collaboration, the City’s Fire Department also provided additional healthcare support at many of the Health Fairs. The project also received assistance from South Broward Healthy Families Program, Broward County Health Department and local churches.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the project be continued in the Southwest Quadrant of the City.
Reviewed:
_______________________________ __________
D. Mike Good, City Manager Date
_____Approved _____Disapproved _____Hold for Discussion