Health Advocacy: Yes, No, or Maybe So?
Although engagement in public policy is viewed as a mission-critical strategy by an increasing number of health funders, many foundations are still considering whether and how they should support health advocacy efforts. This Issue Focus article briefly addresses some of the key questions foundations are likely to confront as they determine what role, if any, they should play in the public policy arena.
Medical Homes 101
First championed by the American Academy of Pediatrics more than 40 years ago, the medical home is a team-based health care delivery model led by a physician that provides comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated primary and preventive medical care to patients.
Elder Abuse: Opportunities to Make a Difference
In the past several decades, remarkable strides have been made in addressing the devastating issue of interpersonal violence—both child abuse and neglect, as well as intimate partner violence. Sadly, however, the issue of elder abuse lags behind these advances.
Public Policy Engagement During an Election Year
Political elections create both challenges and opportunities for foundations seeking to inform and influence the public policy process. Philanthropic organizations have broad latitude to conduct or sponsor a variety of policyrelated activities, and this flexibility includes the ability to promote civic engagement and encourage informed participation in democratic elections.
Forging Stronger Relationships with State Title V Agencies
Although philanthropy has a long history of working with state government to advance health goals, partnerships with Title V agencies appear to be relatively uncommon. Shared strategic vision between the two sectors can lead to collaborations to improve the health of women, children, and families.
Covering Children Under the Affordable Care Act: Minding the Gaps
While millions of children and their families stand to gain access to affordable coverage through the Affordable Care Act, a significant subset of children is vulnerable to being excluded. Nearly 20 million children live in nontraditional family arrangements that potentially create barriers to accessing health coverage.
Shedding Light on Maternal Mortality
This Issue Focus discusses maternal mortality in the United States, its rising rate in recent years, and key disparities in the rate based on race/ethnicity and class. It will also offer strategies and examples for funders to improve and promote the health of women and children before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth.