Opening Doors to Better Health

A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE E. MATTHEWS, CMO
THE GIFT OF SELF-CARE
Friedrich Nietzsche is often quoted as stating “That which does not kill us makes us stronger”. Certainly, surviving an existential threat such as the COVID-19 pandemic is to be acknowledged and celebrated. Yet this survival may come at a cost. That cost being burnout and the resultant depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges.
As this year draws to a close, we can look back and appreciate that despite multiple challenges, providers and health care workers remain standing (unbowed, unbent, and unbroken). As providers however we must take a moment to reflect that the well-being of ourselves and our colleagues is rooted in part in addressing the underlying factors which might contribute to burnout.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE E. MATTHEWS, CMO
THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT
NOVEMBER 17, 2022

The American Cancer Society has designated November 17, 2022, as the Great American Smoke Out, which serves as an opportunity for people who smoke to make a plan to quit or commit to a healthy smoke-free life. Additionally, November 2022 has been designated lung cancer awareness month as well as COPD awareness month, as the 2 illnesses are intricately associated with smoking/tobacco use. The United States is home to 34 million adults who smoke. Smoking results in approximately 480,000 deaths per year or about 1 in 5 deaths.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE E. MATTHEWS, CMO
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
OCTOBER 4-8, NATIONAL PRIMARY CARE WEEK

As we transition into the fall and in particular the month of October, we can appreciate the beauty of the season. October also offers another important aspect, that of being designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States (some kinds of skin cancer are the most common). Each year in the United States, approximately 264,000 women and 2400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Even more concerning, 16% of women and 20% of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer will die from the disease and African American women die from breast cancer at a higher rate than Caucasian women.

Monroe Plan for Medical Care is pleased to announce that we have been recognized as a Preferred Vendor by the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP). ACAP is a national trade association which represents not-for-profit SafetyNet Health Plans. Collectively, ACAP plans serve more than twenty million enrollees through Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplaces and other public health coverage programs. Monroe Plan’s ACAP Preferred Vendor status further substantiates our outstanding reputation and recognized expertise in the Managed Care sector.

MONROE PLAN INTRODUCES THRIVE AT HOME “GAP CLOSURE” PROGRAM
Tap into this no cost, value added clinical resource to reach difficult to engage Medicaid and HARP patients. Monroe Plan’s qualified team will schedule & complete preventative testing in the patient’s home.

We know that Medicaid and HARP patients often face significant obstacles to getting to the care they need such as limited transportation, childcare, and economic means. We also know that limited practice resources and time can impact quality of care. The in-home services provided through Thrive at Home can augment your team AND help patients overcome obstacles to accessing care. Most importantly, this program can serve as a gateway to reconnecting the patient with their primary and specialist caregivers!

Monroe Plan Introduces Thrive at Home “Gap Closure” Program

Our Thrive at Home offers a no cost, additional clinical resource to our IPA providers.
Our Thrive at Home Outreach and Clinical Team will schedule and perform preventative testing and follow up right in the patients home which makes all the difference in reaching difficult-to-engage Medicaid and HARP patients.

We know that Medicaid and HARP patients often face significant obstacles to getting to the care they need such as limited transportation, childcare, and economic means. We also know that limited practice resources and time can impact quality of care. The in-home services provided through Thrive at Home can augment your team AND help patients overcome obstacles to accessing care. Most importantly, this program can serve as a gateway to reconnecting the patient with their primary and specialist caregivers! To learn more, please contact Samantha Tolbert, Clinical Quality Program Manager at thriveathome@monroeplan.com.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE MATTHEWS, CMO
AUGUST IS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION MONTH
“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure” Benjamin Franklin
Having experienced the COVID pandemic and acknowledging the impact of the COVID vaccines in preventing or mitigating the severity of illness, we may all appreciate the utility of vaccinations as a critical tool in maintaining good health. Vaccinations have traditionally been considered predominantly for birth to age 18. The conditions that we administer vaccinations for have previously been considered a scourge among the young resulting in death or significant impairment. Illnesses such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough no longer provide concern in parents in whose babies have been vaccinated. Toddlers are now able to receive vaccinations for measles mumps, rubella, hepatitis, chickenpox (varicella) and flu. Again, it must be realized that these conditions provide for significant morbidity and mortality in the unvaccinated.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. GEORGE MATTHEWS, CMO
JULY IS NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Having endured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently the hate filled racist attack in Buffalo New York it is not surprising that racial and ethnic minority communities face unique psychological challenges. Unfortunately, the opportunity to receive appropriate support for the mental health challenges is thwarted due to cultural stigma and the lack of access to mental health care services. Let us put the problem in perspective.

The Office of Minority Health from the US Department of Health and Human Services describes the following statistical assessment “In 2019 suicide was the second leading cause of death 4 blacks or African-Americans ages 15-24. Poverty level affects mental health status. African-Americans living below the poverty level as compared to those over twice the poverty level are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress”.

DR. MATTHEWS, MONROE PLAN’S CMO, INSIGHTS ON MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

As we think about our male patients, as well as those men that are most important to us (whether that is ourselves, our partner, father, son, or brother), we must reflect on how we can assist these individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to the Centers of Disease Control, in the United States, men die an average of 5 years earlier than women. Men of color may experience even shorter lifespans. That being said, the leading causes of death in men aged 18 older are Heart Disease, Cancer, COVID-19, Accidents, and Stroke.

MONROE PLAN WELCOMES NEW CMO, DR. GEORGE E. MATTHEWS
We are excited to share that Dr. George E. Matthews has joined Monroe Plan for Medical Care as our new Chief Medical Officer. Along with a wealth of clinical and leadership experience, Dr. Matthews brings a career long commitment to community health naturally affiliating him with Monroe Plan’s mission to serve the underserved.
Dr. Matthews has practiced as a cardiologist in Western New York for the past 35 years. Building on a philosophy that the effective practice of medicine is an art as well as science, he has been driven to improve the quality of life for his patients by providing the highest quality of care.

Monroe Plan for Medical Care is a 2022 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Top Workplace Winner

APRIL IS NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH
The death rate for Blacks/African Americans is generally higher than whites for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and homicide.

American Indians/Alaska Natives also have a high prevalence and risk factors for mental health and suicide, unintentional injuries, obesity, substance use, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), teenage pregnancy, diabetes, liver disease, and hepatitis.

Puerto Ricans have a low-birth-weight rate that is almost twice that of non-Hispanic whites. Also, Puerto Ricans suffer disproportionately from asthma, HIVAIDS and infant mortality. Mexican Americans suffer disproportionately from diabetes.

Ensure your practice engages in cultural competency training on an annual basis.
Cultural literacy leads to better engagement and connection to care providers.