HIT: Health Center Adoption and Meaningful Use of EHRs

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included provisions designed to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care through health information technology (HIT).  These provisions, known as the HITECH Act, provide significant funds for development of a national HIT infrastructure and to assist providers in adopting and using HIT. 

Evaluating Advocacy: Lessons from an Effort to Advance the Children's Health Care Coverage Policy Agenda

What is the best way to guide, support, and evaluate advocacy tactics used by different organizations in different states? Join this call to hear findings from an evaluation of “Insuring America’s Children: States Leading the Way” (IAC), a grant program funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The speakers will discuss cross-cutting findings from the IAC evaluation and two states’ experiences—Colorado’s and Texas’—working to increase children’s coverage through advocacy and policy work.

Creating a Healthier School Environment

The Child Nutrition Act of 2004 required schools to develop and implement wellness policies by the 2006-07 school year, and most did. But they have had little impact, and many students still have easy access to unhealthy foods and beverages and few opportunities for physical activity throughout the school day.   

On this call, Lindsey Turner of Bridging the Gap reviewed results from one of the most comprehensive studies to date of health-related policies and practices in U.S. elementary schools. Topics covered included school meals, competitive foods and beverages, and physical activity and physical education. Policy opportunities for funders were identified for each. Next, Debbie Watson of the Winter Park Health Foundation shared her experience as a grantmaker working with local schools to promote healthy eating and active living among students.  

Home Visitation: Intervening Early to Improve Health Outcomes for Children and Their Families

For decades, home visitation programs have been an effective early intervention strategy for improving the health and well-being of children, particularly those in at-risk families. These programs ensure ongoing education, social support, and a connection to public and private community resources and services for new and expectant families.   Join this audioconference for an overview of home visitation programs and their short- and long-term benefits and effectiveness; how states and local communities are currently making investments in these programs; and current and emerging areas of opportunity through which health funders may be able to support evidence-based research and implementation of home visiting programs.