 | | AAHI Healthy Communities Fund Invites Applications The Montgomery County Asian American Health Initiative is once again partnering with the Primary Care Coalition (PCC) to fund programs in behavioral health, senior wellness, and health and social support services to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the County. A total of $1,500,000 is available through the AAHI Healthy Communities Fund, with a maximum of $150,000 available per organization/award. Applications are accepted through 11:59 PM on August 5, 2024, and there will be an informational workshop on July 1, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Community organizations of all sizes are encouraged to apply, and supportive resources are available for applicant organizations on a first-come, first-served basis. These consultations with AAPI program staff are designed to ensure equitable access to funding by supporting organizations in developing both successful programs and compelling grant applications. See the Request for Proposals for additional details, including eligibility guidelines and application processes. |
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|  | Collaborative Care Model Reduces Total Healthcare Costs A recent issue brief released by the Bowman Family Foundation indicates that the use of the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) when integrating mental health and substance abuse treatment into primary care can reduce total healthcare costs for commercial insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid. The brief includes further evidence that collaborative care programs, like the PCC-operated Montgomery Cares Behavioral Health Program, are good healthcare investments. The brief highlights the findings of three key studies that observed healthcare cost reductions after implementing a Collaborative Care Model. The findings contribute to mounting evidence that implementing collaborative care in primary care not only improves mental and substance abuse treatment – it also reduces overall healthcare costs, starting with the first year and increasing over time. For more information, go to the Bowman Family Foundation News Release. |
|  | Free Webinar Addresses Questions That Can Save A Life A recent Sheppard Pratt workshop, Questions That Can Save a Life: Preventing Suicide in Primary Healthcare, was presented live on April 26 by Primary Care Coalition Director of Behavioral Health Sarah Frazell in conjunction with Ashley Maher, Ph.D., Lead Psychologist, Trauma Disorders Services, Sheppard Pratt. It is now available online as a free webinar. Research shows that 64% of people who commit suicide see their primary care provider in the month prior. If primary care workers can identify those at risk for suicide or depression, they have an opportunity to intervene. The webinar provides them with the tools to do that. The free one-hour webinar is now available on demand for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals. Register here. |
| | Workforce Program Graduates First Class; 39 Gain Healthcare Certifications The first class to graduate with Montgomery College certifications through the Primary Care Coalition’s Department of Labor (DOL)-funded Workforce Capacity program completed their studies in May. “We are celebrating the 39 people who passed their courses in pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, and certified nursing assistant training,” said Program Director Liza Greenberg, RN, MPH. “They worked hard to juggle family and work responsibilities at the same time they studied. It is very exciting to see people stepping into career path jobs in Montgomery County. The Workforce Capacity program is part of PCC’s Nexus Montgomery initiative, which works closely with Montgomery County hospitals to improve safety and quality.” The Workforce Capacity program partners with community organizations that provide outreach, wraparound services, and student support. Partners include the Ethiopian Community Center in Maryland, the American Muslim Senior Society, and the Muslim Community Center. Candidate referrals come from a wide variety of county organizations. Program graduates are individuals seeking economic stability through healthcare career paths. They include immigrants from Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Ghana, and El Salvador, as well as U.S. students. |
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 | July 2, 5-6:30 p.m., Living Positively with Chronic Pain, hosted on Zoom by Independence Now and facilitated by peers. Open to individuals directly affected by chronic pain. Register here. July 4, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m., Montgomery County outdoor pools are open. The summer season started June 14. In addition to the Montgomery County Department of Recreation’s seven outdoor pools, there are five indoor pools open year-round. July 4, 7–10 p.m., Germantown Glory, Independence Day Celebration, South Germantown Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD 20841. July 6, 6-10 p.m., Mid-County Sparkles, Independence Day Celebration, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Rd., Kensington, MD 20895. July 8, 6-8 p.m., First in a Series of Community Conversations: Creating Safe and Vibrant Communities, hosted by Montgomery County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles. This one will be held in the East County, Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904. Participation is free. Reserve your spot. |
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| | Meet June's Pet of the Month: Caramelo! He is a cherished family member of Dr. Veronica Vela, PCC’s Senior Director of Healthcare Access. With his soft and loveable nature, he is often compared to a teddy bear. Caramelo enjoys cuddles and loves to bring his tennis ball on walks, cleverly placing it in people’s hands or laps to invite them to play. His intelligence has inspired his family to launch a playful campaign: Caramelo for President! Dad joke via Zippy Paws. |
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