May 2021
With COVID vaccinations opening to everyone who wanted one this month, immunizations are a topic in almost every conversation. We have heard the experiences of joy from recipients and staff, reverence for the work of so many to make this historical moment happen and awe at the execution at a tremendous scale. After a long and difficult road that we are still journeying through, we are proud of our health care workforce and their achievements of vaccinating over 40% of Californians and demonstrating what we can accomplish when aligned toward a common goal.
This month, CQC is spotlighting how California health plans and provider groups, like L.A. Care, are working to ensure everyone has a shot to beat COVID. - Crystal Eubanks
LEADERS FROM HEALTH NET & HSAG JOIN CQC STEERING COMMITTEE
We welcome to CQC's Steering Committee Catherine Misquitta, Health Net’s Vice President of Quality Management and Padma Taggarse, Health Services Advisory Group's Executive Director of Physician Office Quality.
At our March meeting, we celebrated Health Net’s Peggy Haines’ well-deserved retirement. We are grateful for Peggy’s dedication and commitment as a member and co-chair of the CQC Steering Committee since 2013. Her work as a nurse and quality champion has touched many lives and improved the health of communities across California.
SPOTLIGHT: VACCINE EQUITY
While COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has expanded and supply has increased, data show that access to vaccines are not equitable throughout California’s communities.
Health care leaders are looking to work together differently as their vaccination efforts shift from trying to meet demand through mass vaccination sites to targeted interventions that address the needs and concerns of high-risk communities and vaccine-hesitant individuals. In late April, CQC hosted a closed roundtable discussion, facilitated by L.A. Care, for health plans, provider groups and California state agency representatives to discuss challenges and success stories in their efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines and support equitable vaccine distribution for under-resourced populations. -Kristina Mody
INCREASE DEPRESSION SCREENING
Depression screening is an essential tool for primary care providers to better understand and meet their patients’ needs, especially as behavioral health conditions have dramatically increased in the past year. Patient-centric approaches and thoughtful implementation of depression screening can lead to earlier intervention, improved overall health outcomes and reduced utilization of health care services. In March, CQC hosted a webinar with insights from PBGH’s Measurement & Accountability Team, UCLA Health and Montefiore Medical Center, who shared why primary care providers need to launch depression today, and how they can start. -Kristina Mody
HIE FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Heath care providers have struggled with incomplete data, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating in a health information exchange (HIE) facilitates data sharing is essential to continue advancing the quality of health care in California and supports a more equitable health care system. The California Health Information Exchange Onboarding Program (Cal-HOP) provides funding to support Medi-Cal providers’ access and use of HIE technology to improve the quality and effectiveness of care for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Funding is only available through September 2021.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, May 25 (11AM-12PM): CQC Resilient Primary Care Webinar: Back to School: Close the Gap on Pediatric Immunizations: Join us to discuss the urgency and opportunities to close the gap on pediatric immunizations [register here]
PARTNER UPDATES
CHCF Health Care Leadership Program
Applications are being accepted for the CHCF Health Care Leadership Program, a two-year fellowship preparing clinically trained professionals to lead California’s health care organizations and create a network of strong and effective leaders who are focused on improving health care for all Californians. Applications for Cohort 21 are currently open, closing June 16, 2021.
