Megan Bolejack

Nominate A New Care Share Board Member

Sep 8, 2021

Nominate a New Board Member

Nominate A New Care Share Board Member

September 8, 2021 by Megan Bolejack

Nominate a New Board Member

Our Mission

Care Share Health Alliance’s (Care Share) mission is collaborating for health equity and we envision communities that are healthy and committed to health equity for all. We believe that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity for health.

The Invitation

We are inviting nominations for candidates to serve on Care Share's board of directors.

Serving on the Care Share board provides an opportunity to impact organizational direction and network with others dedicated to health equity.

The board currently meets at least quarterly.

Responsibilities of board members are outlined in this document.

Care Share is looking for board members who are committed to health equity, and is specifically looking for board members with experience in fundraising, communications, and health equity impact and outcomes.

Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

We have limited Board seats available and we may not be able to move forward with every nomination received. We will be in contact with every nominator and nominee to notify them of the outcome of the nominations process. We hope to engage all nominees in Care Share’s health equity mission.

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Candidate's Name(Required)

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How does their experience (lived, organizational, work, other) align with Care Share's mission of Collaborating for Health Equity?(Required)

Do they have any particular skill sets, qualifications or perspectives they will bring to board?(Required)

Officer Nominations

If you want nominate a current board member or a candidate (new board member) to serve as a board officer (chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer) please list the office & name of person to nominate/serve.

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Webinar – Community Partners: NC Medicaid’s Transition to Managed Care “Preparing for Launch”

May 28, 2021

NC Medicaid Managed Care goes live July 1, 2021, make sure you’re ready for Launch. The transition to Medicaid Managed Care has reached a major milestone. All Medicaid beneficiaries currently […]

Webinar – Community Partners: NC Medicaid’s Transition to Managed Care “Preparing for Launch”

May 28, 2021 by Megan Bolejack

NC Medicaid Managed Care goes live July 1, 2021, make sure you’re ready for Launch.

The transition to Medicaid Managed Care has reached a major milestone. All Medicaid beneficiaries currently eligible to transition to managed care have selected or been assigned a health plan with 97% enrolled in a plan that includes their current primary care provider (PCP) in network.

As a result, nearly all current beneficiaries will keep the same health care provider that they have today when managed care launches on July 1. That means more families can continue to visit the practices and doctors who know them best and are familiar with their specific health care needs.

Join on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 2-3 p.m. to hear the latest updates in the state’s transition to Medicaid Managed Care what to expect July 1. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers.

Healthier Highland Collaborative Video

May 10, 2021

Watch the video to learn how the highland community members used the power of their voice, community partners, and local government to make positive changes in their community and improve […]

Healthier Highland Collaborative Video

May 10, 2021 by Megan Bolejack

Watch the video to learn how the highland community members used the power of their voice, community partners, and local government to make positive changes in their community and improve health outcomes.

Care Share Seeks RFP for Strategic Planning Services

Apr 8, 2021

Care Share Health Alliance is seeking proposals to lead the board of directors, staff and key stakeholders through a strategic planning process. We are looking for a consultant who is […]

Care Share Seeks RFP for Strategic Planning Services

April 8, 2021 by Megan Bolejack

Care Share Health Alliance is seeking proposals to lead the board of directors, staff and key stakeholders through a strategic planning process. We are looking for a consultant who is committed to racial and health equity, uses a collaborative or facilitative leadership process, has an understanding of the NC and national healthcare and health improvement landscape so they can lead Care Share into the future of innovation, opportunity and most importantly health equity. For more information read the RFP.

Care Share Health Alliance names Weyling White as new Executive Director

Mar 16, 2021

March 16, 2021 Care Share Health Alliance has selected Weyling White as its next Executive Director. White will succeed Linda Kinney, who will remain at Care Share as Director of […]

Care Share Health Alliance names Weyling White as new Executive Director

March 16, 2021 by Megan Bolejack

March 16, 2021

Care Share Health Alliance has selected Weyling White as its next Executive Director. White will succeed Linda Kinney, who will remain at Care Share as Director of Innovation and Capacity Building.

“We are fortunate to have Weyling lead Care Share,” said Alice Pollard, Board Chair. “Weyling brings tremendous leadership experience with programs that promote systems change to increase access to health care. His experience and passion for health equity and social justice will be a guiding light for advancing Care Share’s vision of communities that are healthy & committed to health equity for all.”

“It is such an honor to be joining Care Share Health Alliance. Throughout my career I’ve had the pleasure to collaborate and work with Care Share in multiple capacities. I have always admired this organization and I look forward to our new journey together,” said White.

White most recently worked with Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RHCC) as the Practice Administrator. He joined RCCHC in 2013 as the Director of Hertford Health Access, a collaborative network that was supported by Care Share. Weyling is a native of Ahoskie, North Carolina, and in 2019, made history when he was elected as Ahoskie’s first African American Mayor. Weyling is a graduate of the Rural Economic Development Institute with the NC Rural Center, a Leadership North Carolina Class XXVI graduate, and a current Bernstein Health Leadership Fellow.

Weyling was selected following a thorough search process which resulted in a field of exceptional candidates. The Board launched the search process in 2020 after Linda Kinney expressed her desire for Care Share to be an inclusive, diverse and equitable organization. Kinney, who has been a part of Care Share’s team from its inception and served as Executive Director since 2017, will continue to serve Care Share as Director of Director of Innovation and Capacity Building.

“I have been honored to serve as executive director of Care Share Health Alliance and remain committed to our mission of Collaborating for Health Equity. I take our mission seriously and decided to step down from the executive director position so we can better align our leadership with our mission. I am not leaving Care Share, rather I am acknowledging and acting on systemic privilege where I can. This decision embodies my personal and Care Share’s organizational values to open opportunities for new leadership” said Kinney. “I am delighted to work with Weyling and the rest of the Care Share staff.”

“The Board is grateful for Linda’s continued service to Care Share and excited about what the Care Share team will achieve in the coming months under Weyling’s leadership. Care Share stands at the ready to support organizations, communities, and all stakeholders in advancing health equity,” said Pollard.

Care Share Health Alliance is a North Carolina based non-profit that builds capacity, creates networks, and partners for systems change so that communities are healthy and equitable. Learn more about Care Share at www.caresharehealth.org.

Join NC DHHS on March 10 for a webinar: “NC Medicaid Transition to Managed Care for Community Partners – the Beneficiary Experience”

Feb 26, 2021

Join NC DHHS on March 10 for a webinar: “NC Medicaid Transition to Managed Care for Community Partners – the Beneficiary Experience”

February 26, 2021 by Megan Bolejack

Please join NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.; Secretary for NC Medicaid Dave Richards; Assistant Secretary for NC Medicaid Jay Ludlam and other senior leaders as we provide an update on key dates and resources for beneficiaries as they choose a health plan under Medicaid Managed Care. There will also be an opportunity to submit questions for the panelists.

Registration is required. Feel free to share the webinar invitation and registration link with other community partners interested in attending. A recording of the webinar will be available following the event and posted on the NC Medicaid website.

NC Medicaid Transition to Managed Care for Community Partners
the Beneficiary Experience

3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Aligning Systems for Health Research Roundup Webinar – Feb.11th

Feb 2, 2021

Aligning Systems for Health Research Roundup Webinar – Feb.11th

February 2, 2021 by Megan Bolejack

Save the Date: Aligning Systems for Health Research Roundup Webinar on February 11th at 4:00pm. The session will feature Care Share Health Alliance and Healthier Highland findings from the evaluation report Highland Shows up, Speaks up, Steps up: Aligning Systems for Health Community-Led Collaboration Advancing Health Equity. The session will also include presentations from Communities Joined in Action – CJA and Urban Institute. Register here: https://bit.ly/3pHJHZu

NC Medical Journal Highlights NC Get Covered

Nov 3, 2020

The NC Medical Journal’s latest issue Celebrating – and Critiquing – 10 Years of the ACA in North Carolina highlights NC Get Covered: Spotlight on the Safety Net : NC […]

NC Medical Journal Highlights NC Get Covered

November 3, 2020 by Megan Bolejack

The NC Medical Journal’s latest issue Celebrating – and Critiquing – 10 Years of the ACA in North Carolina highlights NC Get Covered: Spotlight on the Safety Net : NC Get Covered – A Statewide Network of Health Care Change Agents. To read the article, visit http://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/content/81/6/403 and to read the full issue visit www.ncmedicaljournal.com

If you are in need of health insurance coverage, please visit Healthcare.gov to sign up for a plan today! If you live in NC, you can visit NCNavigator.net or dial 1-855-733-3711 for free enrollment assistance. Open enrollment ends on December 15.

Care Share Health Alliance Seeks New Executive Director

Oct 16, 2020

I have been honored to serve as executive director of Care Share Health Alliance and remain committed to our mission of Collaborating for Health Equity. I take our mission seriously and […]

Care Share Health Alliance Seeks New Executive Director

October 16, 2020 by Megan Bolejack

I have been honored to serve as executive director of Care Share Health Alliance and remain committed to our mission of Collaborating for Health Equity. I take our mission seriously and have decided to step down from the executive director position so we can better align our leadership with our mission. I am not leaving Care Share. I am acknowledging and acting on systemic privilege where I can. This decision embodies my personal and Care Share’s organizational values to open opportunities for new leadership with lived experience and expertise in the field of equity. Linda Kinney

Click here for position posting

Join Us on Nov 13th – NC Collaborative on Medicaid Transformation Meeting

Oct 16, 2020

Join us for the next NCCOMeT meeting on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 10am to 11am. Brigette Courtot, Senior Research Associate with the Urban Institute will share some findings from […]

Join Us on Nov 13th – NC Collaborative on Medicaid Transformation Meeting

October 16, 2020 by Megan Bolejack

Join us for the next NCCOMeT meeting on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 10am to 11am. Brigette Courtot, Senior Research Associate with the Urban Institute will share some findings from their research on the impact of Medicaid Managed Care on Health Disparities.

Join the meeting via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89506402834?pwd=QmJKbHFtU3VuQUZleFdEWVpLSDcxUT09

COVID-19 Funding Opportunities (will be continually updated)

Mar 30, 2020

NC Network of Grantmakers The website provides a list of organizations that are providing grant opportunities for the COVID-19 response. Learn more. The North Carolina Community Foundation Community Grantmaking Grants […]

COVID-19 Funding Opportunities (will be continually updated)

March 30, 2020 by Megan Bolejack

NC Network of Grantmakers

The website provides a list of organizations that are providing grant opportunities for the COVID-19 response. Learn more.

The North Carolina Community Foundation Community Grantmaking

Grants are being offered across the state available during March, April and May. This is the first cycle of the North Carolina Community Foundation’s annual grant season to serve organizations in the local communities. Learn more.

RAFI-USA’s Come to the Table program has a limited amount of technical assistance funds to assist rural United Methodist churches throughout North Carolina that are engaging in emergency hunger relief efforts during the coronavirus crisis with mini-grants of up to $1,000. Assistance is available on a first-come first-served basis to qualifying projects. Learn more.

Council of Nonprofits: Corona Virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: (Informational) The article explains the funding opportunities for Non-profits within the Act.

American Heart Association

In late February, the American Heart Association and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC (BCBS of NC) released a call for mini-grants for communities to implement their ideas to promote heart health in the Triangle (Wake, Durham, and Orange counties), Triad (Guilford and Forsyth counties), and Charlotte (Mecklenburg, Gaston, and Union counties). With the increased community needs due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are increasing the mini-grant investment for each of the communities.

We have therefore extended the grant deadline to Monday, April 6 to accommodate ADDITIONAL requests, ranging from $2,500 – $10,000 to support heart healthy policies and environments focusing specifically on COVID-19 relief.

Individuals or community organizations which have already submitted applications are welcome to submit an additional COVID-19 focused application.

To apply and for more information, interested partners should visit the application website or contact Annie.Thornhill@heart.org for more information.

Stay Well- COVID-19 Resources (Continually Updated)

Mar 17, 2020

During these challenging times, our hearts are with the people in our communities, state, nation, and world. We are grateful to all of our partners who are diligently working to […]

Stay Well- COVID-19 Resources (Continually Updated)

March 17, 2020 by Megan Bolejack

During these challenging times, our hearts are with the people in our communities, state, nation, and world. We are grateful to all of our partners who are diligently working to keep our communities safe and healthy. Let us all remember to be patient, loving, and kind as we work to ensure those who are most vulnerable in our communities are not harmed. May we all be healthy, safe, and free from suffering.

The Care Share team

Resources

Main Resources

NC Department of Health and Human Services

The website provides reliable, up-to-date information on cases of the COVID-19, updates on state recommendations, and resources to share in your community. Learn more.

Center For Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Social Drivers of Health Resources

211

The website provides assistance to people who need help with essential services (food, paying bills).

http://www.211.org/services/covid19

NEW: Temporary Prohibitions On Evictions and Extending The Prohibition On Utility Shut-Offs

Executive Order from Governor Roy Cooper, temporarily prohibiting evictions for non-payment of rent (21 days) for residential and commercial evictions, providing tenants with extra time to pay past due rent, and extending the previous order prohibiting utility shutoffs for an additional 60 days.

12 Ways Communities are Taking Care of Each Other

This article provides a list of resources from how to connect with others in your community to suggestions for your stimulus check. Learn more.

Healthy Food Policy Project has developed an index of local government polices to support food access during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It includes polices that accelerate, prioritize, or facilitate food access during the COVID-19 pandemic. The index is sortable. Learn more.

Resources to Help Seniors Get Groceries and Prescriptions

WRAL Resource List

Interfaith Food Shuttle

Social Justice and Equity

Health Affairs

The article shares actions that communities can take to to support communities in need during the pandemic.

Health Justice Strategies to Combat COVID-19: Protecting Vulnerable Communities During a Pandemic

National Association for the Advancement of People of Color

The NAACP Tele-Town Hall hosts a panel of experts on the corona virus and it’s impact on communities of color.

Coronavirus Emergency Tele-Town Hall, The Coronavirus: Protecting Our Community

Self-Care Resources

Partners in Health and Wellness

Holy Breaths: Our Health Tips in Response to COVID-19 – Video

The PHW team has put together this video (linked above) to share what we are doing to prioritize health and wholeness amidst COVID-19. Learn more.

HealthCare Resources

Federal COVID -19 Uninsured Program Portal

The federal Department of Health and Human Services launched the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal at coviduninsuredclaim.linkhealth.com. Health care providers and hospitals can use the portal to electronically request reimbursement for claims associated with COVID-19 testing and treatment of uninsured patients retroactive to Feb. 4, 2020.

NC Medical Society- Telemedicine Platform Presence

The platform is being offered at no cost until COVID abates. The Presence platform provides a central portal where patients can schedule a telemedicine visit with their provider. Learn more

CDC Update for Rural Partners and Communities – Video

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided an update to stakeholders in rural communities about the known geographical impacts to date and steps that can be taken to safeguard the health of rural communities. Watch video.

NC Healthcare Association

The website provides links to information on COVID-19. It provides resources specific for healthcare organizations.

https://www.ncha.org/covid19/

NC Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

The website provides information on COVID -19. It lists webinars that are being provided on the topic. There are additional resources health clinics and community groups.

https://ncafcc.org/coronavirus-disease-2019/

NC Community Health Center Association

The website provides guidance for clinical care, reimbursement/billing, and special populations. More resources and content will be coming soon.

https://www.ncchca.org/covid-19/

Spanish language COVID-19 PSA

Produced by: UNC Medical Center’s Interpreter Services team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8STvUf3H3F8&feature=emb_title

Nonprofit Resources

BoardSource

The website provides several resources for nonprofits responding to the COVID-19 crisis, including information for nonprofit leaders, a daily updated FAQ, and a Facebook Live education series. Learn more.

Council of Nonprofits

The website provides strategies for the challenges during the covid-19 pandemic.

https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/nonprofits-and-coronavirus-covid-19

NC Center for Nonprofits

The website provides general information on COVID-19, health and safety, public policy, communication, employee benefits and human resources, event management, financial, fundraising, and technology resources.

https://www.ncnonprofits.org/resources/pandemicresources

National Health Law Program

Corona Virus Resources

Funding Opportunity on Capacity Building

Apr 10, 2019

Deadline: May 28, 2019 The Triangle Capacity-Building Network, a joint project of funders across the region, is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations led by and […]

Funding Opportunity on Capacity Building

April 10, 2019 by Megan Bolejack

Deadline: May 28, 2019

The Triangle Capacity-Building Network, a joint project of funders across the region, is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations led by and working with communities of color.

What Nonprofits Need to Know:
Multiple grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to incorporated nonprofit organizations in the Triangle region, defined as Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, and Johnston counties that is led by a person of color and/or are working within communities of color (An organization whose board of directors reflects the communities of color it serves is also eligible).

Grants will be selected based on a plan by the organization to improve its capacity either by completing an organizational assessment, or by implementing specific activities building the organization’s capacity.

All proposals must be submitted using the Foundation’s online grants management system by May 28, 2019. Decisions are expected by June 20, 2019.

Questions?
Full eligibility criteria, guidelines, and application instructions can be found on Triangle Community Foundation’s website. Questions can be directed to our staff by email to capacitybuilding@trianglecf.org.

November Webinars

Oct 30, 2018

November 8 at 10 am: NC HealthConnex Overview Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j8I2rkTFTXiDBsxwyHx40A The webinar will provide an overview of NC HealthConnex, the North Carolina State Designated Health Information Exchange. November 16 at 10 […]

November Webinars

October 30, 2018 by Megan Bolejack

November 8 at 10 am: NC HealthConnex Overview

Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j8I2rkTFTXiDBsxwyHx40A

The webinar will provide an overview of NC HealthConnex, the North Carolina State Designated Health Information Exchange.

November 16 at 10 am: SFY 2020 Community Health Grant Request For Applications (RFA)

Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R7LwOBuQS92HturFuxaGuA

This Webinar is an overview of the SFY 2020 Community Health Grant Request For Applications (RFA). Community Health Grants provide up to three years of funding to support safety-net organizations such as federally qualified health centers, state-designated rural health centers, free and charitable clinics, public health departments, school-based health centers and other non-profits that provide primary health care to underserved populations throughout North Carolina. Grant funds may be used for both capital improvements and direct patient care. The first year awards are through a competitive grant application; the second and third years are continuation grants. The Webinar will allow potential applicants an opportunity to review the RFA and seek clarification on any questions they may have as they complete the grant application. The RFA will be posted on the ORH website November 1, 2018 and applications are due by February 1, 2019. The term of the first year grant is July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

The RFA will be posted November 1, 2018 on the ORH website: www.nc.gov/agency/rural-health-office

CJA Conference 2018 A Success! Sharing Resources from the Conference

Feb 23, 2018

CJA Conference 2018 A Success! Sharing Resources from the Conference

February 23, 2018 by Megan Bolejack

Communities Joined in Action (CJA) is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to improving health, improving access, and eliminating disparities in their communities. CJA’s mission is to mobilize and assist these community health collaboratives to assure better health for all people at less cost. The 2018 CJA Conference Making Connections: Optimizing Health for All was held February 14-16^th with the goal to give participants the opportunity to connect with community leaders, coalitions, healthcare organizations, health systems, funders, and policymakers who are working toward better health for everyone. Breakout session powerpoints are supposed to be available on the website by Feb 28th.

It was very exciting to see a strong representation of people from North Carolina as presenters and participants!

A Big Congratulations to NC Presenters!

Sarah Weller Pegna, Chatham Health Alliance and Zach King, LiveWell Catawba- Harnessing Clinical-Community Partnerships to Increasing Patient Physical Activity: Implementing Exercise is Medicine in Two North Carolina Communities
Donyel Barber, Gaston Family Health Services, and Abigail Newton, Department of Health and Human Services- Engaging Communities to Collect and Disseminated Data
Sherry Hay, UNC Family Medicine and Tim Smith, Carolina HealthNet-FM- “Get Covered Carolina:” A Partnership to Navigate Change in Healthcare Law.
Weyling White, Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center and Shelisa Howard-Martinez, Care Share Health Alliance- TRIP (Transporting Residents with Innovative Practices) Case Study-Collaborating Locally to Improve Transportation Access in Two Rural Communities
Andrea Radford, Care Share Health Alliance and Rebecca Palmer, Care Ring-Documenting Collaborative Networks as Community Connectors- Network Clients & Social Determinants of Health
Megan Bolejack, Care Share Health Alliance and Gini Knight, Center for Environmental Farming Systems- Making Multi-Sectoral Teams Work: Policies, Procedures, and Tools for Success
Josie Williams and Brett Byerly Greensboro Housing Coalition- Collaborative Cottage Grove: Aligning Health and Housing
Erin Hultgren, Gaston Family Health Services Inc and Jennifer McCracken, Catawba County Public Health Department- Improving Our FOCUS: How Community Health Improvements Lead to Increased Hepatitis C Screenings and Further Linkage to Care
Tim Schwantes, Active Living By Design and Annie Martinie- Danville Regional Foundation, Building a Healthy Dan River Region by Addressing Health Disparities
Donna Elliott, Health Net Gaston, Donyel Barber, Community Centered Health, Shemekka Ebony, Community Champion Steward -100 Million Healthier Lives-Raleigh (and others)- Plenary Panel: Power Dynamics and Community Engagement: A Frank Conversation

Resources:

100 Hundred Million Healthier Lives: a worldwide movement of change agents pursuing an unprecedented result- 100 million people living healthier lives by 2020. Join the movement for free to have access to online community, resources, map of the movement, bright spot stories and more! www.100mlives.org

All In: Data for Community Health is a nationwide learning collaborative that helps communities build capacity to address the social determinants of health through multi-sector data sharing collaborations. They coordinate formal and informal technical assistance for communities, foster dialogue across sites, and cultivate peer-to-peer learning activities for those tackling common challenges or with similar population improvement goals. http://www.allindata.org/

Fhases: provides software solutions and consulting services to support non-profit and safety net organizations in the achievement of their goals. http://www.fhases.com/home.aspx

Bridging for Health: Improving Community Health Through Innovations in Financing: Bridging for Health is fostering connections among multisector stakeholders to rebalance and align investments in health. To accomplish this, Bridging for Health focuses on innovations in three areas: financing; collaboration and collective impact; and health equity. http://ghpc.gsu.edu/project/bridging-for-health/

Health Care Without Harm: Betsy Skoda

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: A New Way to Talk about the Social Determinants of Health

Georgia Health Policy Center

“Health in All Policies” is a concept that aims to strengthen the link between health and policies from other sectors such as housing, transportation, education, labor, and land use to create an environment that enables people to lead healthy lives.

Health in All Policies is an approach to addressing health problems from a systematic level. By including policies and stakeholders not traditionally associated with health care delivery or public health, a broader range of solutions is possible to facilitate individual and population health.

Books/Articles

Investing in What Works in American Communities, free book on cross-sector collaboration

Abundance:The Future is Better than you Think by Peter Diamondis

Jones-Eversley, S.; “Four elephants in the room: A reflective analysis of the wailing rage displayed by Baltimore youth after Freddie Gray’s death”, published in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment Volume. 28, Issue. 1, 2018

**This is a non-exhaustive list of the resources shared at CJA. It is a snapshot only.**

Food Councils and Collaborative Networks Addressing Health Through Food

Dec 15, 2017

In North Carolina, Care Share Health Alliance and Community Food Strategies are partnering to strengthen the relationships between Collaborative Networks and Food Councils to address food as a social determinant […]

Food Councils and Collaborative Networks Addressing Health Through Food

December 15, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

State-Level Partners

Care Share’s mission is collaborating for health equity. The core work is to support Collaborative Networks across the state. Community Food Strategies works to empower local food councils and networks to create community-led collaboration and equitable policy change at the local, state, and national level. The ultimate vision is an equitable food system that is community driven and improves the quality of life for all.

Community-Level Partners

A Collaborative network is an entity comprised of multiple state or local partners who integrate medical, preventative, community, social, and economic resources to achieve collective outcomes through a coordinated system of care. The purpose of the networks is to bring healthcare resources to those who don’t have access to healthcare with the overall vision to improve the health of the underserved.

Food councils are community-based coalitions, often but not always organized by county, that help promote more resilient food systems. Councils build connections across stakeholders and collaborate to improve health, food access, natural resource protection, economic development, and production agriculture for all its community’s residents. Using this cross-sector approach, food councils solve broad food system issues and give communities more control over the food they consume.

There are 19 collaborative networks serving 45 counties and over 30 food councils across NC. The map below illustrates where collaborative networks and food councils exist. There are many opportunities for collaborative networks and food councils to support each other especially in the counties where both are existing.

Understanding Food as a Component of Health

Food is an essential component of health for all people. Nutrition and unhealthy diet are risk factors for several chronic diseases including heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. In North Carolina diseases of the heart are the second leading cause of death and diabetes is the 7th. Almost 829,000 adults report having been diagnosed with diabetes by a health care professional (NC State Center for Health Statistics, 2015).

Food insecurity is a major public health problem that impacts many people in our country and state. Food insecurity is not having access or affordability to food on a regular basis. Frequently used words to describe food insecurity include hunger, malnutrition, and food deserts. According to the 2016 fact sheet Hunger in the Tarheel State, North Carolina has the 8^th highest rate of food insecurity in the nation. 81% of people receiving food assistance don’t know where their next meal is coming from. 73% of people receiving food assistance have had to choose between paying for food or health care or medicine (Hunger in North Carolina). There are many opportunities to create a better food system to improve the health and quality of life for people in North Carolina.

Opportunities for Partnerships to Improve Health between Collaborative Networks and Food Councils

Encourage partnerships to address food security.

Co-location of services: Partner to provide health screenings, healthcare referral, and resources for food insecurity in the same location.
Coordinated referral system: Develop a system of referral between food security organizations in your community and the collaborative network.
Food database or Resource guide: Develop a database or resource guide of food security resources to increase visibility, connectivity, and access.
Encouragement of Client Choice at food security organizations: Allow clients to select their own food which can have greater effects on health eating decisions, allow for a greater sense of dignity, and prevent food waste.
Food security medical intake questions: Develop accurate data on food security needs locally and across the state.

Encourage education to prevent and control chronic diseases.

Nutrition and healthy eating classes: Encourages healthy eating for prevention and control of chronic diseases
Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes: Encourages healthy eating to control chronic diseases.

Encourage access to local, fresh foods.

Encouragement of community gardens: Improves access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Encouragement of farmers markets or mobile food markets: Increases fresh produce in food desert and can increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption.
Electronic Benefit Transfer payment at Farmers Market: Provides opportunity for low income shoppers to access fresh local food.
A fresh food prescription program/voucher program: Health care providers prescribe a healthy, balanced eating plan for patients with a voucher to be redeemed at a local market.

Encourage policy initiatives to make healthy foods an easy choice.

This is a (non-exhaustive) list of policies that support food and health.

Adopt-a-Lot Community Garden
Competitive Pricing
EBT at Farmers Markets
Healthy foods at Corner Stores
Unhealthy Snack Taxes
Sugar-sweetened beverages taxes
Zoning regulations to allow residents to keep chickens, small livestock, pigs, bees within city limits.
Zoning regulations for fast food
Zoning regulation to bring grocery stores or supermarkets to underserved neighborhoods

To learn about local examples, contact Megan Bolejack at mbolejack@caresharehealth.org. To learn more about Care Share Health Alliance and Collaborative Networks visit www.caresharehealth.org. To learn about Community Food Strategies and Local Food Councils visit www.communityfoodstrategies.com

NC Get Covered Hires a New Communications Associate!

Oct 30, 2017

Please join us in welcoming NC Get Covered’s new Communications Associate, Nepherterra “Neph” Best, to our team! Neph is an award-winning public relations professional and communications strategist from Charlotte. She has cultivated strong media […]

NC Get Covered Hires a New Communications Associate!

October 30, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

Please join us in welcoming NC Get Covered’s new Communications Associate, Nepherterra “Neph” Best, to our team!

Neph is an award-winning public relations professional and communications strategist from Charlotte. She has cultivated strong media relationships throughout her 15-year career, is the co-founder of Pride Public Relations in Charlotte, and is a member of the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists. And, thanks to Neph’s experience in the newsroom, she understands how to effectively pitch stories and secure media on behalf of her clients.

As one of our valued partners, Neph would like to help you and your staff prepare for media interviews, pitch upcoming enrollment events, share consumer stories, and more. Please email the following information to Neph at nbest@caresharehealth.orgat your earliest convenience:

Has your organization sent out a news release regarding Open Enrollment Period 5? If so, please send Neph a copy of the release so she can follow up with reporters on your behalf.
Does your organization have outreach and enrollment events planned? If so, please send Neph all of the details so she can pitch your events to local media.
As you start to enroll consumers in the Health Insurance Marketplace, please share any success stories with Neph so she can help spread the word.
Do you have a media contact in your area or perhaps a Communications person at your organization with whom Neph should be in touch? If so, please send Neph the individual’s name and contact information.

We look forward to working with you during Open Enrollment Period 5 and beyond!

Be well,
Willona Stallings, NC Get Covered Director

Job Opportunities- NCGC and CJA

Oct 9, 2017

NC Get Covered is hiring a new Communications Associate to oversee, coordinate and implement North Carolina’s media and messaging efforts related to the Affordable Care Act. To learn more about the […]

Job Opportunities- NCGC and CJA

October 9, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

NC Get Covered is hiring a new Communications Associate to oversee, coordinate and implement North Carolina’s media and messaging efforts related to the Affordable Care Act. To learn more about the position, including major job duties and responsibilities, view: NCGC Communications Associate_Job Description. Interested persons should email a copy of their resume and cover letter to wstallings@CareShareHealth.org by COB on next Tuesday, October 17.

Communities Joined in Action is recruiting for a part-time contractual position, Regional Field Manager, who will be responsible for working with a team to plan and implement a set of projects or initiatives within NC, SC and WV for the 100 Million Healthier Lives/SCALE portfolio. To learn more about the position view:Regional Field ManagerSCALE_CJA2017 Please send a cover letter and resume, NO LATER THAN October 20, 2017 to info@cja.org

Care Share Health Alliance Announces New Executive Director!

Jun 30, 2017

On behalf of the Care Share Health Alliance Board of Directors, we wish Kellan a fond farewell and thank her for nearly nine years of leadership and service! Under her […]

Care Share Health Alliance Announces New Executive Director!

June 30, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

On behalf of the Care Share Health Alliance Board of Directors, we wish Kellan a fond farewell and thank her for nearly nine years of leadership and service! Under her guidance, Care Share grew from an idea to a respected organization collaborating on both the state and local level to bring health equity to NC residents. Kellan’s passion for creating an equitable and healthy environment for all will carry over to her new role as President & CEO of John Rex Endowment. Congratulations, Kellan!

The Care Share Health Alliance Board has unanimously chosen Linda Kinney, former Care Share Deputy Executive Director, to serve as the organization’s next Executive Director effective July 15. Linda shared her vision for Care Share with the Board, stating, “Working to improve the health of under-resourced people in NC has been my passion throughout my career. I am fully committed to this mission because I believe that all people deserve to be happy and healthy, regardless of how much money they have, what they look like or where they come from. I could not be more grateful to be able to bring my personal and work visions together with this opportunity to lead Care Share.” Congratulations, Linda! We look forward to the future under your leadership.

Donna Elliott, Care Share Health Alliance Board of Directors Chair

A Message From Linda Kinney Our New Executive Director

I have been honored to work with Kellan, the Care Share staff, the Collaborative Networks and the Care Share Board for the past nine years. Through our work, we’ve seen more communities come together to leverage resources and build capacity to improve access to care through Collaborative Networks. We’ve seen research emerge confirming what safety net providers have always known, that healthcare is critical but not enough. We’ve worked with partners at the state and local levels to enroll people in health insurance options, with one new option made possible through the Affordable Care Act. We’ve seen people with the very lowest incomes left out of these options. Now we are nervously waiting to see what the fate of those options will be. We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know that if we want to improve health, we must continue to collaborate locally, regionally and statewide. We must continue to integrate medical, preventative, community, social, and economic resources. We must work together to assure that everyone has the same opportunity to be healthy. There are challenging times ahead and I have no doubt that communities, safety net organizations, funders and individuals across NC are ready to meet those challenges. I hope you will join Care Share in this work and help us achieve our vision that communities are healthy and committed to health equity for all.

Linda Kinney, Care Share Health Alliance Executive Director

Team Spotlight: Diane Gilmore, BBA

Jun 26, 2017

Team Spotlight: Diane Gilmore, BBA

June 26, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

Diane serves as the Business Manager for Care Share. She advises and assists the Executive Director in projection and planning, budgeting, general accounting control monitoring and other related fiscal tasks. She also performs other tasks related to the daily business of the organization. In Diane’s words, ” I manage the details and provide support, so that Care Share staff can accomplish their work.”

What inspires you about your work with Care Share?

Knowing that I support people who are passionate about making healthcare accessible and available to everyone.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I spend time with family and friends. I enjoy being active and appreciate the great Greenway system we have in this area along with all the parks.

A little more about Diane…

In addition to working for Care Share, I’m an instructor for the LiveStrong program at the Taylor Family YMCA. This is a free program for anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer. The program provides a gateway into getting back into an active lifestyle in addition to elements of a support group. This is my way of helping others get healthy and is particularly important to me after losing a younger sister to cancer.

Rural Health Opioid Program- Funding Available

Jun 20, 2017

Rural Health Opioid Program- Funding Available

June 20, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

HRSA has posted a funding opportunity to support expansion of opioid related health care services in rural communities – https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=284888. The funding is to support community consortiums who provide outreach to people with opioid-use disorder, behavioral counseling, and peer support activities. The consortium must include at least 3 health care providers and other key stakeholders like social services agencies, faith-based communities and law enforcement.

The closing date is July 27th and there is $3 million available in funding. Please share with your local partners.

Farewell to Enroll America

Jun 6, 2017

NC Get Covered would like to bid a heartfelt farewell to Enroll America, North Carolina’s leader in ACA outreach and education for more than four years now. On August 11, […]

Farewell to Enroll America

June 6, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

NC Get Covered would like to bid a heartfelt farewell to Enroll America, North Carolina’s leader in ACA outreach and education for more than four years now. On August 11, Enroll America NC will close its doors, leaving an indelible mark on our state.

Enroll America staff, under the leadership of Sorien Schmidt, has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that North Carolinians were knowledgeable about the ACA, their eligibility, and how to obtain and properly use their insurance. From co-chairing and emceeing the 2016 In-Person Assister Conference (Mark Van Arnam, NC Deputy State Director); creating a toolkit for faith communities to engage in ACA outreach and enrollment activities (Angela Cameron, Deputy Regional Director); connecting Latino organizations to local ACA resources (Joyce Gamarra, Deputy Regional Director – Latino Outreach); helping outreach and enrollment organizations stay focused and on message during uncertain times (Lovemore Masakadza, Communications Director); and giving health care in our state a face by using pictures and data to tell the consumer’s story (Sorien Schmidt, State Director) – Enroll America has played a critical role in North Carolina’s outreach and enrollment success. Thank you for your partnership! You will be missed!

– Willona Stallings, Director, NC Get Covered

Thank You Enroll America

Apr 20, 2017

Below is the final newsletter from Enroll America, a recognized leader in ACA outreach and education both nationally and in our state. Enroll America NC will close its doors in […]

Thank You Enroll America

April 20, 2017 by Megan Bolejack

Below is the final newsletter from Enroll America, a recognized leader in ACA outreach and education both nationally and in our state. Enroll America NC will close its doors in August of this year, and the void that will be left behind once they are gone cannot be measured or adequately expressed with words. Please join Care Share Health Alliance in thanking Enroll America for their hard work, dedication, leadership and, most importantly, their partnership these past four years!

Enroll America Final Newsletter

Megan Bolejack

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