Health District Releases Annual Report
Press release March 19, 2008		printer friendly

Galveston County and Cities – Members of the Galveston County United Board of Health, and the 4C’s Governing Board recently approved the Health District’s 2007 annual progress report.   The report includes an executive summary, an evaluation of progress in accomplishing the strategic health plan for 2004- 2010, special reports on access to care, EMS, and animal services.  

The first GCHD Strategic Health Plan was adopted in 2004 and provides specific priorities and goals in eight different areas.  The eight priorities adopted in 2004 include: (1) public awareness, (2) access to care and health disparities,           (3) business improvement, (4) healthcare financing, (5) management of chronic diseases, (6) environmental health, (7) senior health, and (8) immunization awareness.   By 2010, the District will initiate a new strategic planning process, involving community stakeholders, to develop a second plan for the next decade, 2010-2020. 

According to Dr. Mark Guidry the district’s Chief Executive Officer, “the Strategic Health Plan has been an effective tool for focusing our efforts and for transforming the organization to better serve the residents of Galveston County."  Since the plan was adopted, a majority of the goals have been accomplished. 

In 2007, one key issue addressed was childhood lead poisoning.   The Health District epidemiologist has previously provided reports showing increased levels of childhood lead poisoning and supported a recent Baylor study which shed additional light on this public health problem.   In 2007, a community coalition was formed to address the ongoing problem and work towards developing a model and sustainable program to improve the prevention and management of childhood lead poisoning in Galveston.  

Also discussed in the report is access to care accomplishments as well as ongoing barriers to healthcare.  The 4C's clinic's, which see a large number of uninsured, have achieved a medical productivity that exceeds state and national averages for federally-qualified health centers.  Challenges remain in obtaining specialty care referrals for uninsured patients, limitation in available state and national funding sources, and a lower than average collection revenue which limits the clinic's ability to expand services. 

 Finally, the annual report identifies the Health District's focus areas for 2008 and beyond.   Some key areas which district staff will focus on include:

·        Acquiring modern data systems to meet public service and business needs

·        Improving facilities where necessary particularly in the 4C’s clinics, La Marque Headquarters, and at the Joe Vickery Animal Shelter in Texas City

·        Explore ways to recruit and retain the best qualified staff for all programs which includes looking at improved benefits, such as retirement and health insurance that would be cost effective

·        Improve public perception of the 4C’s clinics to make them a medical home option for more county residents

·        Seek out grant funds that provide more flexible performance expectations and administrative requirements 

These are just a few highlights from the annual report.  The complete report will be distributed to Galveston county and city elected officials as well as to health partners in the county.   For the Galveston County Health District’s complete report of progress in 2007 and future plans visit   www.gchd.org/admin/strattoc.htm.  

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For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org