Issue 26, September 8, 2022

America faces daunting and complex healthcare challenges that include and go beyond the current pandemic. In myriad ways, innovative healthcare companies are developing solutions to improve access to care, battle disease, strengthen population health, and meet the needs of underserved communities. This newsletter will offer examples of Healthcare Leadership Council members answering the call.

IN THE NEWS

Health Industry Leaders Offer Recommendations to Improve Medicare Advantage Effectiveness in Addressing Social Determinants of Health

In its response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' request for perspectives on how to further strengthen the effectiveness of the Medicare Advantage program, HLC has recommended a number of steps to better address the social determinants of health such as food insecurity and access to transportation that have a profound effect on health and well-being.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HLC Webinar:

The Roads to Health Equity are Under Construction

Experts from across the healthcare industry will present strategies in place to ensure high-quality, culturally competent, equitable care. They will discuss current initiatives, policy priorities and long-term goals. Join this panel to learn more about data collection and how it affects the direction of numerous pathways under construction.

Speakers:

Taj Mustapha, M.D.

Chief of Equity Strategy

M Health Fairview

Jeanette Schulz

Director, Health Equity and Advocacy Relations

Amgen

Judith Kulich

Principal, Patient Health & Equity Lead

ZS Associates

September 14, 2022

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET

REGISTER

FOLLOW US

CONTACT US

Healthcare Leadership Council

750 9th St. NW

Suite 500

Washington, DC 20001

www.hlc.org

Kfernandez@hlc.org

Elevance Health Makes Major Commitment to Food-as-Medicine Effort

The Elevance Health Foundation has announced the commitment of $22.8 million in grants for programs that leverage food as medicine. The grants will focus on using food interventions to help prevent or manage chronic conditions, improving access to and distributing food while providing long-term solutions for food security, and providing nutrition and health education. Elevance Health is a Healthcare Leadership Council member.

Of those grants, $14 million will go to the Feeding America network to expand its 'Food as Medicine' program and help fund up to 30 member food banks that are working with healthcare partners. This multi-phased collaboration between hospital systems and food banks could influence understanding of how food-as-medicine impacts clinical outcomes among people at risk of or suffering from a diet related health condition, such as diabetes, cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., Chief Health Officer of Elevance Health, said, "Having consistent access to nutritious food is an essential part of maintaining one's health and improving overall health outcomes. But between continued economic fallout from the pandemic, record-high food prices and more, access to healthy and nutritious food is getting harder for Americans. We know that hunger, health, and well-being are all deeply connected. That's why the Elevance Health Foundation is focusing on programs that can help prevent the onset of diet-related health conditions and demonstrate improved health outcomes."

Magellan Healthcare Providing Free Webinars to Support Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Magellan Healthcare, the behavioral and specialty healthcare segment of Magellan Health, has announced virtual events free of charge to the public in support of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

On Wednesday, September 14 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET, Magellan will provide a webinar on recovery and resiliency called "What I would tell my younger self: Conversations about hope, recovery and the 'S' word" featuring perspectives from mental health advocates and suicide prevention advisors. On Thursday, September 22, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET, Magellan will host a webinar on "The role of mental health recovery in suicide prevention" which will include an inspiring recovery story from a person who lives with mental health challenges and has lived through multiple suicide attempts. Information about the webinars can be found at Magellanhealthcare.com/Prevent-Suicide.

Andrew Sassani, M.D., Magellan Healthcare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, California, said, "We are pleased to have this opportunity during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month to shine light on issues surrounding suicide and how people can get help. People can and do recover from mental health and substance use conditions and anything that may be contributing to suicidal thoughts, going on to live happy, vibrant lives."