December 17, 2001
IVAN C.A. WALKS, MD
DC Council Oversight Hearing on the DC Healthcare Alliance
...Continued
We are very pleased with the health education and outreach efforts implemented by the Alliance. Covering such topics as diabetes, hypertension, dental care, and smoking cessation, the health education programs provide another avenue to reach the uninsured population. This outreach and engagement at the neighborhood level is the foundation upon which a healthier DC will be built.
Continuing Challenges and Opportunities
While we are very proud of the accomplishments, we recognize there are still opportunities for improvement. I would like to take a few minutes now to outline some of the challenges we are facing.
Finances
The full costs of the former PBC's obligations are still being unearthed as we continue the closeout. Many of these hidden obligations, representing millions of dollars, had not been disclosed when the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) developed the cost estimates for the closeout. As a result, additional resources may be needed to complete the closeout. The CFO's office and program staff, along with other government entities, are closely monitoring and analyzing this situation.
Care Utilization
Utilization of the Alliance's community health centers continues to grow. The planned addition of the communitybased, not-for-profit health centers to the Alliance provider network will further expand resident's choices in accessing care.
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