Photo by Matt Schorr
Jennifer Belue from the Dispensary of Hope contributes ideas during a Planning Committee Work Session to increase access to medications for the uninsured.
NAHSVILLE, Tenn. Improving access to healthcare for the uninsured is a key goal of the Safety Net Consortium of Middle Tennessee (SNCMT). The SNCMT’s overall vision is for all Middle Tennessee residents – both insured and uninsured – to have access to high quality, accordable care.
It was with this in mind that SNCMT members gathered at the Metro Public Health Department on February 28, 2018, to discuss increasing access to medications for the uninsured. The meeting – a Planning Committee Work Session – was the third to be held so far, and discussions focused on a framework for action.
Expanded access to medication
The focus of the project is to improve health for uninsured people through expanded access to medications. Attendees discussed four potential system level strategies for increasing access to medications, following an extensive data gathering process that included a literature review, best practice review, stakeholder conversations, population level data analysis as well as guidance from a Steering Committee of experts including Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Lipscomb School of Pharmacy, Dispensary of Hope, Nashville General Hospital, Metro Public Health Department and others:
- Improve medication affordability
- Improve patient awareness of resources and ease of access
- Improve pharmacist/provider awareness of resources and ease of access
- Improve system-level communication, efficiency and effectiveness
The group prioritized activities that would advance efforts in the four strategy areas and next steps include convening smaller work teams to move the process forward.
Health disparities
The SNCMT began in May 2000 as part of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s (MVA) focus on eliminating health disparities. Its mission is to make Middle Tennessee healthier by bringing together healthcare providers, public sector agencies, academia and community-based organizations to advocate, build capacity and coordinate efforts to improve the health of the medically underserved.
The SNCMT is one of the MVA’s partnerships aimed at addressing the needs of diverse and underserved populations.
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
Founded in 1999, the Alliance bridges the institutions of Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Its mission is to enrich learning and advance clinical research in three primary areas -- community engagement, interprofessional education and research -- by developing and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the communities they serve. Through community engagement, the Alliance serves a large community of stakeholders including surrounding universities and colleges, community organizations, faith-based outlets and community health centers. Its interprofessional education enhances students' interdisciplinary understanding and improves patient outcomes through integrated care. The research conducted provides access to experienced grant writers and materials supporting the grant application process and facilitates grant-writing workshops