Cook County Health Nearing Completion of 2020-22 Strategic Plan

Cook County Health (CCH) Board Meeting - May 31, 2019

What did the Board discuss:

• The 2020-22 planning process started in the Fall of 2018.  After months of considering key issues, industry trends, looking at future needs, and seeking input through community town halls and surveys, the Cook County Health (CCH) Strategic Plan 2020-22 is nearing completion.
• CCH recognized its nurses May 6 - 12 during the annual National Nurses Week.
• CountyCare, the CCH Medicaid managed care organization, numbers were slightly down again as of May 5, 2019 to 316,831 members.  The Illinois spring legislation addressed problems with Illinois Medicaid: reducing  lapse of care when benefits are terminated, and establishing an easier process for initial Medicaid applications and redetermination for individuals to stay on Medicaid.  CountyCare will benefit from these improvements.
• CCH committed $1 million toward the Flexible Housing Pool- a partnership that has the goal of housing  vulnerable homeless and connecting them with support services.  Overall this support is a cost effective way to help them improve their lives and health.
• The Board acknowledged the Cook County Health Foundation.  This foundation partners with CCH giving financial support to further the health systems mission of health care to residents regardless of their ability to pay.  The foundation increases awareness of CCH and raises money to help the health system build for the future and remain a leader in public health.
• A May presentation "Diabetes Update" explained that over time elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels damages both large and small blood vessels.  This damage can lead to complications that affect the whole body.  A CCH study showed that a gain in patients' knowledge of diabetes management is associated with better blood sugar control.
• CCH contracted with an architectural consulting service to review the physical spaces of its out-patient clinics.  The goal is a positive patient experience in waiting areas and a good experience when being efficiently moved through clinic areas.
• The Board approved a furniture contract for new clinics in  Hillside, North Riverside, and Blue Island.

​ Observer - Michele Niccolai                                          Meeting Length:   3 hours