National Covering Kids & Families Network Midwestern Regional Conference July 23-24, 2008 Caroline Rivas, Policy Director Community Health Councils Expansion & Quality of Healthcare Coverage, Los Angeles, CA Barbara Luksch, Project Director Hawai‘i Primary Care Association/Hawai‘i Covering Kids, Honolulu, HI
About Community Health Councils Established in 1992 Non-profit, community-based health promotion, advocacy, and policy organization Our mission is to improve health and increase access to quality healthcare for uninsured, economically-disadvantaged and underserved populations. Project areas: Access & Quality of Healthcare, Expansion & Quality of Healthcare Coverage, Community Health & Education 3731 Stocker Street, Suite 201 Los Angeles, CA (fax)
National Covering Kids & Families Network National CKF Network Background – RWJF Initiatives 1997 – 2006 Formed Network in November 2006 – Represents 78 organizations and 146 individuals in 35 states Purpose and Goals – National voice for improved and increased access to high quality health and healthcare for all
National Covering Kids & Families Network Strategic Direction – Build and sustain a network of passionate, engaged members from each state – Identify and capitalize on strengths and relationships of members – Capture and share information, knowledge and expertise – Translate “real life” perspectives, trends and opportunities to develop and advocate common policy priorities – Foster and nurture partnerships between key stakeholders Priority Issues – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Directives/Rule Changes – Coverage Expansion/SCHIP Reauthorization – Simplification Efforts – Best Practices and Professional Development
2008 Highlights Annual Meeting Quarterly National Teleconferences Organizational Development Regional Convenings Monthly Newsletter
Membership Rocks Help Overcome Challenges Leverage Resources Networking Provide Current Information Share Best Practices Technical Assistance Training United National Voice
Networking ~ Small Group Discussions Interested in joining? What do you hope to learn and gain from the NCKF network?
Next Steps Group Discussion Highlights Summary Activity
For More Information Caroline Rivas, MSW, Policy Director Community Health Councils 3731 Stocker Street, Suite 201, Los Angeles, CA Phone: Barbara Luksch, Project Director Hawai‘i Primary Care Association/Hawai‘i Covering Kids 345 Queen Street, Suite 601, Honolulu, HI Phone: