News Releases

Ohio Health Transformation Discussed at NEONI’s 2013 Legislative Forum

NEONI's 2013 Legislative Forum, “Passageways and Obstacles: Ohio’s Story of Health Transformation,” held at Southwest General Health Center’s Williams Conference Center Oct. 21, provided an opportunity for about 75 healthcare advocates, nursing leaders and representatives from Northeast Ohio legislative offices to network and hear experts discuss the current healthcare environment and Ohio health transformation.

“It was an especially exciting day to discuss Ohio health transformation because our Controlling Board was simultaneously meeting in Columbus to make a decision on Medicaid expansion,” said Deanna Moore, vice president, corporate communications, The Center for Health Affairs.

Attendees heard from three speakers who described the current state of Ohio’s healthcare environment and where it is headed in the future. Theodore E. Wymyslo, MD, director, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), who spoke first, described ODH’s current priorities, which include expanding patient-centered medical homes, curbing tobacco use, decreasing infant mortality and reducing obesity. Increasing the focus on the primary care workforce, including efforts to increase workforce diversity, was described as one important strategy to achieve these goals. Dr. Wymyslo also highlighted the important role APNs play in ensuring Ohio’s primary care workforce is able to meet rising demand.

Also presenting was Mark Hurst, MD, medical director, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, who discussed health homes and the importance of integrating both behavioral healthcare and primary care for individuals; and Betsy Houchen, JD, MS, RN, executive director, the Ohio Board of Nursing, who explained the latest nursing data implications for education, healthcare planning and policy development.

Closing out the Forum was a panel discussion on Ohio health transformation and the importance of Medicaid expansion, which did pass later that day. The Center for Health Affairs’ President and CEO, Bill Ryan, moderated the conversation which included all three speakers and several attendees.

To learn more about Ohio health transformation or the NEONI Legislative Forum, please contact Pam Waite at 216.255.3650 or via email.