1. Remedies to EHDI Challenges in the Last Frontier-Alaska Margaret Lanier Kossler, MPH,CHES EHDI Program Manager 2001-2005

4. Goals & Accomplishments HRSA UNHS Grant 2000-2005 TextGoalYear 5 Advisory Committee EstablishActive Screen by 1 Month 50%App. 80% Aud. Eval. By 3 Months All ReferralsApp. 20% Enroll into E/I by 6 Months All DiagnosedApp. 40%

5. Goals HRSA UNHS Grant 2005-2008 TextGoal Advisory CommitteeActive Screen by 1 Month100% Decrease Lost to F/U after Screening All referrals Aud. Eval by 3 MonthsAll referrals Enroll into E/I by 6 Mos.All diagnosed Family Support ServicesEnhance EHDI Surveillance SystemEstablished AK EHDI program sustainability Establish

7. 1- 3-6- Model 2005-20081- 3-6- Model 2005-2008 GoalScreen 100% of newborns by 1 month of age. Challenge 1: High staff turnover in remote (hub) community birthing hospitals. Continue tech. assistance from EHDI program staff Disseminate Sound Beginnings video w/competency checklist for new staff Form relationships with facilities delivering babies outside of hospitals

8. Additional Challenges Challenge 2: Lack of knowledge regarding universal newborn hearing screening. Through annual media campaigns, provide continuing education regarding the importance of UNHS to general public and health care providers delivering babies in rural communities.

9. Additional Challenges Challenge 3: Remote communities unable to perform screening due to lack of equipment. Placement of screeners in public health center. Placement of OAE screeners in Early Head Start programs through implementation of the ECHO Project.

10. Barrow (ANMC) Fairbanks Juneau Sitka Cordova/Valdez/Wasilla/Kodiak Anchorage (Northern Hearing) Soldotna Dillingham Bethel Nome Kotzebue – (ANMC)

11. 1-3-6 Model 2005-2008 GoalEnsure all newborns who fail hearing screening receive audiological evaluation by 3 months of age. Challenge 1: Limited number of pediatric audiologist and locations where BAERs can be performed. Placement of screeners in PH centers Adequate reimbursement for audiological diagnostic services in AK Assist audiologists to establish nationally recognized CPT code Explore telemedicine option

12. Additional Challenges Challenge 2: Lost to Follow-up Case reviews at advisory committee meetings Continual education of pediatric primary care providers and CHA/Ps Collaborate with hospitals and organizations EHCO Project implementation statewide Database implementation statewide

13. EI/ILP Locations Across the State

14. 1-3-6 Model 2005-2008 Goal-- Children diagnosed with hearing loss are referred and enrolled into appropriate early intervention services, linked to medical homes, and receive treatment services by 6 months of age. Challenge 1:Delay in linkage to early intervention services from diagnosis Case review presentations Provider education ECHO Project implementation Database implementation Parent Navigator Family Workshop

15. Additional Goal Establish a long-term fiscal and programmatic plan to ensure EHDI program permanence in the Dept of Health & Social Services Challenge: No legislation requiring statewide UNHS. Identify alternative funding sources Establish subcommittee Work with advocacy groups

17. Alaska EHDI Program Margaret Lanier Kossler, MPH,CHES State of Alaska, DHSS, DPH 4501 Business Park Blvd, Bldg L Anchorage, AK 99503 907-269-3466Margaret_lanier@health.state.ak.us

18. Hearing Alaskas Future through… Alaskas Children