 | September 2024 | Issue No. 29 |
| What Makes MCares Relationships Stick? PCC Analyzed Patterns in Patient Retention to Find Out The Montgomery Cares program (MCares) served 22,693 Montgomery County residents in fiscal year 2023, providing last-resort access to care for residents with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level who do not qualify for state or federal healthcare access programs. Understanding the proportion of patients that maintain program participation year over year helps PCC and MCares program partners gauge how well we are meeting patient needs and where there might be areas for improvement. We first explored overall trends in the data, which PCC data analysts extracted from MCares billing records for the fiscal years (FY) 2015-2023. The results show that while the overall number of patients participating in the program is largely steady, the individual patients participating in the program are not. Around 50% of individual patients stay with the program from one year to the next. While the ideal is for every patient to have an annual primary care visit, we know that is not the reality for many adults—insured or not. Because MCares participation is defined by care usage, rather than by annual enrollment (as is the case in insurance participation), retention rates alone cannot tell us how many patients stop participating because they remain free of health concerns and how many stop participating because of access challenges. |
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|  | Meet Elizabeth Arend Dutta Elizabeth Arend Dutta joined the Primary Care Coalition (PCC) in 2017 and has made a significant impact during the past seven years, first as Director of Provider Services and most recently as the Director of Behavioral Health Program Design and Strategy for PCC. PCC’s annual Storytelling Show was Dutta’s brainchild; she helped facilitate the production of the first show in 2019. She even shared her own story on stage that year. The Storytelling Show has become a much-anticipated annual fundraising event that supports healthcare for the community’s neediest residents through a series of personal stories—each told in a heartwarming, funny, and inspirational way. The next Storytelling Show is on November 7th. |
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| | PCC Celebrates September Workforce Graduates The Primary Care Coalition and Nexus Montgomery are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 35 participants from our Workforce Capacity Program, who proudly received healthcare certifications from Montgomery College on the evening of September 26th. Graduates included those completing certified nursing assistant (CNA) training in spring and summer, along with those completing summer pharmacy tech and phlebotomy tech programs. Graduates gathered with their families and friends, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and pride. PCC expects this program to open doors to new career opportunities in healthcare. Many graduates have already secured positions in Montgomery County healthcare organizations, while others are eagerly preparing resumes and seeking final licensing. This celebration is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the graduates, their supportive families, and the dedicated program staff. PCC partners with community organizations to provide outreach, wraparound services, and student support. Candidate referrals come from these partners and a wide variety of county organizations. Current enrollees include immigrants from Ethiopia, Ghana, and El Salvador, as well as U.S. students. A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration funds 92.8% ($1.3 million) of the cost to train 200 healthcare workers and increase Montgomery College training capacity between December 2023 and November 2025. Non-governmental funds, including support from Maryland Physicians Care, support 7.2% ($101,615) of these costs. Additional workforce capacity efforts have been supported by WorkSource Montgomery, Maryland Physicians Care, and the Maryland Department of Labor. |
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| |  | Can You Keep a Secret? We Hope Not! Get Your Tickets Today for PCC’s 2024 Storytelling Show Don't miss the chance to be amused, motivated, and contribute to a worthy cause at the Primary Care Coalition's 2024 Storytelling Show on November 7. Every year, the performance grows better and better, as the partners and staff of PCC tell amazing stories that are frequently humorous, sometimes irreverent, and always endearing. The event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza. The address is One Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The $50 per ticket price includes entrance to the live storytelling event, drinks, hors d-oeuvres, and a chance to mingle with people who are committed to making health happen for everyone in the community, including our most vulnerable residents. We hope to see you there! |
|  | |  |  | Meet September's Pet of the Month: Kaira! Meet September’s Pet of PCC, Kaira! She is the beloved companion of Marisol Ortiz, PCC’s Director of Family Centered Care. Adopted at two years old, Kaira is a rescue cat who has transformed from a hesitant newcomer into a cuddly and confident member of the family. Affectionately known as "Diva" by her family, she proudly struts with a graceful, hip-swaying walk. Kaira loves spending her days outdoors sunbathing on the porch with neighboring cats and, always making her needs known, smartly taps the window when she’s ready to come back inside. |
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 | October 5, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., 30th Annual Harvest Festival, sponsored by Montgomery Parks, featuring live music, food concessions, scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, farm equipment, craft and bake sale, and more. Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400, Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD 20855. The festival will take place, rain or shine. The fee is $20 per car, cash only. October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Halloween Eye Spy Miniature Trains. Located at Cabin John Regional Park and Wheaton Regional Park. Tickets are $6 per person at Cabin John and $8 per person at Wheaton, which includes the carousel. Children under two ride free. Purchase tickets online in advance. |
| | | | | | Continuing Medical Education Opportunity! Are you interested in a CME opportunity focused on enhancing HIV care in primary care settings? This free CME course offers valuable insights on integrating inclusive HIV prevention and treatment practices. Course Title: Inclusive HIV Prevention & Care: Are You Up to Date on Best Practices? For more information and to register, click here. |
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