At a Labor Management Project (LMP) conference on June 3, union members and managers from over 70 organizations gathered in Brooklyn to hear from New York State Medicaid Director Jason Helgerson and other distinguished speakers. The theme of the day was how to make the shift from simply treating illness and disabilities to helping people stay healthy, and the mood was generally positive.
Helgerson explained the thinking behind the state’s new Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Program. He also discussed ways that healthcare providers can improve care quality while keeping costs in check by enacting the changes called for by the new system. 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds Executive Director Deborah King and other speakers focused on how we can help our communities become healthier despite ailing systems and outdated infrastructure. Several speakers also reminded attendees that, as members of the communities they serve, they face the same health challenges as their patients and must take care of their own health too. 1199SEIU members, they said, have much higher than average rates of diabetes and pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions.
In a popular “On the Move” break between presentations, LMP staff encouraged attendees to get out of their seats and participate in an upbeat exercise routine. Throughout the day, attendees also enjoyed participating in the Wellness Expo which featured an X-Box with a fitness game, healthcare quiz challenge, meditation sessions and healthy smoothies.
Afternoon workshops allowed attendees to break into smaller groups for sessions on topics including Is Inequality Making Us Sick?, Healthcare Workforce of the Future, NY – Reducing Avoidable Hospitalizations, and Telling Your Story to Create Change. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio wrapped up the conference with another inspirational address, relating the fight for quality healthcare to the fights for affordable housing and quality education in New York City.
Learn more about how DSRIP will affect you and your patients and download useful resources here.