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UCare Minnesota provides $2 million grant to the University of Minnesota’s Academic Health Center in support of Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC)

Funding ensures CUHCC’s future by investing in primary care services for children and low-income families in south Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Mar. 9, 2007 – UCare Minnesota has provided a $2 million grant to the Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC) to help the community clinic, based in the Phillips neighborhood in Minneapolis, remain financially solvent and expand to a new facility.

UCare gave the money to CUHCC through the University’s Minnesota Medical Foundation. The first $1 million of the grant is earmarked to cover prior-year costs of providing comprehensive primary care to the uninsured and underinsured. The other $1 million will be used to help fund CUHCC’s capital expansion project to construct a new building capable of delivering more efficient care. This grant will help ensure the community clinic’s long-term viability and delivery of comprehensive primary care services to children and low-income families in south Minneapolis.

UCare provided the $2 million grant as part of its mission to partner with community health care providers to underserved populations, while also helping Minnesota maintain its supply of family  medicine physicians. UCare values CUHCC’s role as a health care safety net and a training hub for community health professionals and University of Minnesota medical students who strive to improve and deliver care to every Minnesotan.

“We are pleased to be able to invest in Community-University Health Care Center’s new direction,” said Nancy Feldman, president and CEO, UCare Minnesota.  “This grant builds on UCare’s long history of partnership with this clinic and the University of Minnesota.  It is yet another example of how UCare is developing innovative partnerships in the heart of the community to improve the health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

 “We are grateful for UCare Minnesota’s generous grant to support the services at the Community-University Health Care Center,” said Frank B. Cerra, M.D., senior vice president of health sciences at the University. “This will ensure the clinic continues to serve as a valuable training site where our future health professionals will learn how to deliver culturally competent care in medically underserved communities.”

“Community-University Health Care Center is working hard to develop a new model of community care that integrates services across the medical, dental, and mental health programs,” said Brenda Johnson, CUHCC Board Chair.  “We are thrilled that UCare Minnesota has chosen to support our vision of becoming a clinic known for excellence in providing comprehensive care to diverse populations.”

About UCare Minnesota

UCare Minnesota is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to nearly 130,000 members in 80 Minnesota counties. UCare provides health care programs for people with Medicare: UCare for Seniors, a Medicare Advantage product; Minnesota Senior Health Options, a program for seniors with Medical Assistance but who may or may not be eligible for Medicare; UCare Complete, a Minnesota Disabilities Health Option (MnDHO) program for people with physical disabilities; and Partners Choice Network, a MnDHO pilot program for people with developmental disabilities. UCare also offers income-based health programs to people enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs, including Prepaid Medical Assistance, Prepaid General Assistance Medical Care, and MinnesotaCare. For more information, visit www.ucare.org.

About Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC)

The first community health center in Minnesota, Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC) celebrates its fortieth year of providing comprehensive health care to underserved communities.  CUHCC offers medical, dental and behavioral health care to 9,000 patients annually; the majority (80%) of whom lives below federal poverty guidelines. Governed by a community board with strong patient representation, CUHCC is known for its capacity to provide culturally competent care in seven languages.  A multicultural staff provides care to multiple ethnic populations--over 70% of patients are people of color, immigrants or refugees.  More information is available at www.ahc.umn.edu/cuhcc. 

About the Academic Health Center

The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.

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CUHCC Looking Forward to the Next 40 Years.

The Community-University Health Care Center and Academic Health Center are committed to providing quality medical, dental, and mental health care to underserved patients, something we have done in the Phillips community for the last 40 years. In order to continue to provide this care, the board is working to make the clinic financially solvent. Only then will the services provided by our multicultural staff be preserved for years to come.

The facts:

• There is no plan to close CUHCC.  The clinic will continue to provide care, in seven different languages, for more than 9,000 people annually. Currently, 80% of our patients live 100% below federal poverty guidelines ($20,000 for a family of four). 

• Because of a budget shortfall, the Board approved a budget that includes transitioning satellite sites and reducing some staff.  To increase revenue, the clinic will be increasing access to reach a greater number of patients, improving the billing processes through a new electronic system, and fundraising. 

• CUHCC began looking at constructing a new building two years ago.  Within the last few years, it became apparent that CUHCC needed to transform its infrastructure before beginning this task.  CUHCC would like to pursue a new building going forward because the current building does not allow for efficient delivery of care.

• The University has supported the clinic with financial and in kind support and advocacy since 1966. The University values CUHCC’s role as a health safety net and as a training site in community-based care for health professional students.

• Community health care centers as a whole face significant challenges. The rapid rise in the number of uninsured or underinsured patients and the regulations around providing care to those with public insurance – affects clinics, like CUHCC, who provide the larger share of health care to these populations. One in seven uninsured Minnesotans receives care at a community clinic.  ___________________________________________________

CUHCC Goes Live with New Computer System.

During the month of September, the Community-University Health Care Center went live with a new electronic scheduling and billing system.  While staff is still working to master the system, we are already seeing its benefits.  We would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time of transition!  We value you and your family as patients and we look forward to being able to better serve you as a result of these changes.

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Deanna Mills Named Interim Executive Director of CUHCC.

Deanna Mills, M.P.H., has been named the interim executive director of the University of Minnesota’s Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC).  She has over 25 years of experience in the community health field.  She previously served as executive director at Southside Community Health Services and Fremont Community Health Services before becoming a consultant for Halleland Health Consulting, a department of the Minneapolis law firm, Halleland, Nilan, Lewis & Johnson.  During her time at Halleland, she advised public and private health care organizations in program development, strategic planning, and policy formation.  She came to CUHCC in July 2005 as administrative director.  Her new position is effective as of May 30, 2006.

“The Community-University Health Care Center has a reputation in community health as being a clinic providing comprehensive care to diverse populations,” said Mills. “I look forward to leading the clinic as it positions itself at the forefront of the movement to reduce health disparities for underserved populations, particularly people of color, immigrants and refugees.”

Mills also served on numerous professional and community-based boards, including the Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic Foundation Board and the Healthy Learners Board.  In 2003, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal honored her as a Woman Changemaker. 

 “As CUHCC celebrates its 40th year advancing the health and well-being of people experiencing health disparities, we are fortunate to have someone on board with a wealth of knowledge around community health issues,” said CUHCC Board Chairman Brenda Johnson.  “The Board has full confidence in her leadership at Community-University Health Care Center.” 

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Karl Self Steps Down as Executive Director to Pursue an Academic Career in Dentistry.

Karl Self, DDS, MBA, announced his resignation as Executive Director to the Governing Board of the Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC) at the April 17th meeting.

Dr. Self devoted sixteen years of his professional life working to ensure that Phillips neighborhood residents and community members from throughout South Minneapolis had access to comprehensive health care services. Dr. Self first came to the clinic as a dentist many years ago, and then returned six years ago to serve as Executive Director.  Since 2000 when Dr. Self began as Executive Director, CUHCC received federal designation as a 330 clinic and expanded its range of services and care to reach a greater number of underserved individuals.

"Karl's accomplishments are many and great," says Board Chair Brenda Johnson. "He has contributed to the CUHCC legacy through his undying passion for reducing health disparities.  We wish him the best in the next phase of his career."

Dr. Self’s personal commitment to eliminating health disparities guides his professional endeavors.  He has participated in a number of statewide health-related taskforces, including the Citizens’ Forum on Health Care Costs led by former Senator David Durenberger.  He was selected as the 2004-2005 Ralph H. Metcalfe, Sr. Chair at Marquette University and is actively involved in addressing the State’s dental access problem.

Dr. Self has chosen to pursue a role in academic dentistry with the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry, and he looks forward to bringing community based health care experiences to the faculty. 

During this transition, the Board is working closely with and has confidence in its senior leadership while it determines who will serve as the next Executive Director.

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Board Approved New Vision, Mission, Values

The Governing Board has finalized and approved a new vision, mission and values to guide the clinic in its work from 2006-2009. 

Vision
We will be an organization known for excellence in community health care for diverse populations

Mission
To advance the well-being of people experiencing health disparities

Values

• Welcoming all people, with an emphasis on providing care to underserved and vulnerable residents of South Minneapolis communities

• Culturally competent care that builds upon patient and family strengths

• Partnerships with patients, families, communities and the University of Minnesota

• Participatory evaluation to improve programs

• Educating prospective health providers in delivering care to the community
  
  

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Mark Niblick and Nancy Nelson Retire From Board After Nine Years of of Service
After nine years of service that included terms as Board Chairs, Nancy Nelson and Mark Niblick stepped down from the CUHCC Governing Board. Mark Niblick served as Board Chair when Karl Self became appointed Executive Director in 2000.  Then, Nancy soon transitioned on and served from 2001 to 2003. At an Open House held at Bob Thompson's to celebrate their time at CUHCC, both Nancy and Mark spoke of how they enjoyed serving on the board and seeing the growth CUHCC has made over the years of the organization. As Mark Niblick stated, "I enjoyed working with people who are givers, not takers." Bob and others also spoke of their many contributions and legacy that they are leaving to CUHCC, and how others will stand on their shoulders.
Thanks again for your unrelenting commitment to the mission of CUHCC!

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PNC Student Cultivates Community Partnerships

“We are genuinely providing services to people who would otherwise not have access to care,” reflects Travis Olives, a University of Minnesota Master of Public Health student, who volunteers 20 to 30 hours each week for Phillips Neighborhood Clinic (PNC).  He serves as the clinic’s lead Spanish interpreter and Chair of the Student Advisory Board, and coordinates activities and outreach with local schools and other organizations.  His other projects include grantwriting, painting the clinic and networking its computers.    

An outreach site of CUHCC, PNC opened its doors in March 2003 under the leadership of Dr. Eric Meininger and Dr. John Song in collaboration with University of Minnesota students.  Doctors Meininger and Song nominated Travis Olives for the Presidential Student Leadership & Service Award (PSLSA) because of his dedication to Phillips Neighborhood Clinic and the surrounding communities.  The PSLSA recognizes contributions of outstanding student leaders and is presented to approximately one-half of one percent of the student body for their exceptional leadership and service to the University of Minnesota and the surrounding community.

Olives also received the Mary A. McEvoy Award for Public Engagement and Leadership for his work in Phillips Neighborhood.  This award recognizes students who engage the community in local initiatives that create partnerships between University students and community members.  In fact, one of Travis’ strengths has been fostering relationships with Wellstone International School, Folwell Middle School, Volunteers of America Middle School and Mercado Central.  “He’s taken it a step further,” says Dr. Meininger, “Not only can he connect with the teachers, but he can talk with students about accessing the health system in the United States.”

This fall Travis will be entering his first year of Medical School at the University of Minnesota and is committed to continuing his work at PNC.  Asked what he thinks of receiving these awards, he admits, “I wish this could be spread across all the volunteers. There are so many students doing so much work.”

Travis received his awards on Wednesday, May 4th, from University of Minnesota’s President Bruinicks.

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Rita LaChapelle Receives Twin Cities Healthy Start Award

Twin Cities Healthy Start helps women in the African American and American Indian communities have healthy pregnancies and families.  At their spring annual meeting, Twin Cities Healthy Start recognized Rita LaChapelle, RN for her commitment and dedication to reducing infant mortality in the African American and American Indian families.  Rita has been with CUHCC for 28 years as a perinatal nurse and refers families to the organization to obtain pregnancy-related services and assistance with housing, transportation, mental health and other social services.  “We have many families in need of advocacy services in the community,” comments Rita, “Healthy Start does a great job of connecting some of CUHCC’s families to community resources."

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