For Immediate Release

September 25, 2009

Contact:           Vicki L. Duey, Four Corners Health Department

                        402-362-2621, toll free 877-337-3573

 On September 22, 2009, Four Corners Health Department, in collaboration with the Nebraska Medical Association, held a Public Health in Today’s World forum at Chances R Restaurant in York for the medical providers, elected officials and other community leaders of the four county service areas.  

            Guest speakers at the event included Dr. Richard Raymond, former Chief Medical Officer of the State of Nebraska; Dr. Les Spry, the Nebraska Medical Association President;  Sue Medinger, the DHHS Community Health Planning & Protection Unit Administrator; Vicki Duey, the Executive Director of Four Corners Health Department; and the Four Corners Health Department Staff.

            The purpose of the forum was to improve Public Health visibility and awareness of what State and local Public Health is and does; enhance advocacy for Public Health; improve policy maker support for Public Health; create public support for Public Health; and control Health Care costs by promoting healthy environments and healthy behaviors.

            The specific topics discussed included a history of public health funding in Nebraska pre and post 9/11, focusing particularly on LB 692, and healthcare from the National view and the Nebraska view, speaking particularly about the proposal for health care reform in Nebraska.  Nebraska healthcare reform included a discussion about universal access to health insurance for all Nebraskans not covered by Medicare; requiring all authorized in state insurers to offer guarantee issue, renewable and community rated basic insurance plans; and subsidize costs for low income citizens using existing Medicaid funds.  Legislative Bill 656, introduced by Senator John Harms of Scottsbluff, was also discussed.

            The presentations were wrapped up with a discussion about the partnership of local, state and federal public health and the role each plays. The local health department implements what is started at the state and local level. Four Corners discussed their work in the four county region in which they serve, specifically the partnering with the local medical community to promote and protect the health of our public.  The example of surveillance of H1N1 through coordination of vaccine distribution was used an example of the role each level of public health plays, with local health being the connection to the community partners and the public.

Dr. Raymond concluded by reminding those in attendance of the value of public health in preventing disease and working with providers to improve the outcomes of health care. It is crucial in these times when government funding is under scrutiny that the community support ongoing funding for public health.  Today it is more important than ever that these vital functions be continued.  The Legislators need to hear from those being served by Public Health the need for its continuance and support. 

For more information about this forum or for specific details about the topics discussed, please contact Vicki Duey at Four Corners Health Department.