On January 9th we had an open discussion about future topics for presentations. Some of the ideas include:

• ADHD resources
• Autism resources and issues
• Services of Autism Resource Centers
• Autism diagnosis requirement – barriers to diagnosis for non-verbal children
• Autism and insurance issues – speaker from Autism Resource Center?
• What to do if insurance refuses to accept ASD diagnosis
• Behavioral health resources
• MCPAP (MA Child Psychiatry Access Program)
• Pain management – Baystate Pedi Pain Clinic speaker?
• Respite for CYSNHs
• PCA services
• Childcare & vouchers – New England Farm Workers?
• Transition to Adulthood
• Transition to adult medical care – health care transition
• Building health skills for youth/children – part of transition to adulthood
• Transition to adulthood – guardianship
• Transition to adulthood – panel of agencies/entities involved: DDS, MRC, DPH, schools
• Transition resources – e.g. GotTransition2.0 web portal
• Age 3 Transition
• from Early Intervention to school
• other supports available at age 3
• Age 3 Transition with Autism Spectrum diagnosis
• Transition Assessments – age and stages, developmental pediatrics, neuropsych compared to developmental pediatrics
• Masstart services – planning for individual health plans at school for children with complex care
• Medical education issues (doctors, nurses, other health care professionals):
• systemic approaches to unmet needs e.g. PCPs and sub-specialists for young adults with complex care
• home visiting in medical education – Operation House Calls
• Urgent care centers – roles, services, concerns, care coordination
• Pharmacy
• Pharmacy role in care coordination
• key questions for families and care coordinators
• Polypharmacy
• Panel from insurers – changing models, ACOs (accountable care organizations)
• DDS and related services – DDS-contracted services, Adaptive Design, Family Resource Centers
• Educational Advocates – free
• Housing – range of services – speaker from WayFinders (formerly HAP Housing)?
• Child safety – home safety, car and car-seat safety
• MA Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

If you have any other ideas please reach out to any member of the meeting committee.

We also had a presentation about lead poisoning prevention by Sharon Gifford BS, RN and Jennifer Chacon, Community Health worker from the DPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and Square One. As of December 1st there have been major changes to the regulations regarding Lead exposure for children living in Massachusetts. The new regulation requires inspection of living location for children with lead levels about 10, and monitoring for levels 5-9. In Massachusetts children must be tested for lead at age 1, 2 and 3 years, high risk cities, age 4yrs also. Many resources and additional information is available at http://www.mass.gov/dph/clppp.

Next meeting: February 13, 2018 at 9:15am at Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA.

Happy Holidays! The 4C program would love to thank everyone for their on going support throughout the development of the program.  As everyone is aware, the 4C program’s funding is ending December 31, 2017.  We’ve been grateful for the volunteers who have stepped up in helping continue the work for the Medical Home Meeting and to up keep the blog.

On December 12, 2017  Jim Haas and Maria Burke from Orthotics and Prosthestics Labs, Inc joined us.  They expressed their enjoyment in providing great customer service for patients.  Including the understanding the hassle with insurance companies and also providing mobile services to patients.  They assist with the following: Cranial remolding, AFO’s and bracing, Orthoic care, Dynamic Movement Orthosis, Spinal Orthoses, Prosthetic, and compression garments. They are located at 300 Bernie Ave, Springfield, MA 01107 and there contact information is (888)432-5488. Check out their website for further information: http://www.oplabs.net/

We also had Denise Gloekler, Director of Rehabilitation, Shriner’s Hospital for Children.  She shared the amazing services that Shriners Hospital provides and the care they extend for their patients. She encouraged providers to reach out and complete a referral if they feel a patient would benefit from services.  You can find out more about their services on their website: Shriners Hospital Springfield

Again,  we can not thank you enough for the on-going support.  We wish everyone a happy holiday! Next meeting: January 9, 2018 at 9:15am at Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA.

Cinnamon Smith from Home Cities Families, encouraged us to share the following information with our families.

What: Did you just arrive from Puerto Rico? Need help navigating resources in the community? Looking for support? Join us to chat about resources available in Springfield.

When: Tuesdays, Nov 21st – Dec 19th, 1:30 -2:30 pm

Where: Parent and Community Engagement Center, Resource Room, 91 School St Springfield, MA

Weekly topics to include:

11/21 – Health Insurance Support

11/28 – Preschool enrollment options

12/5 – WIC/SNAP

12/12 – Housing

12/19 – Employment

Thank You!  4C