FORM 990, PART I, LINE 6: |
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION IS FAITHFULLY SUPPORTED BY A LARGE GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS, WILLING TO GENEROUSLY GIVE THEIR TIME AND RESOURCES TO HELP SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FULFILL ITS MISSION. FROM THE 45 UNPAID INDIVIDUALS SERVING ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TO THE 72 SERVING ON OTHER COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES, TO THE 1,464 ENTHUSIASTICALLY INVOLVED IN MAJOR FUNDRAISING EVENTS, PROMOTIONS AND ACTIVITIES BENEFITTING SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN 2016, VOLUNTEERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AT THE HEART OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 2 |
LISA BRANDENBURG AND MARK DEL BECCARO EACH HAVE A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH ROBERT FLOWERS, JUDY HOLDER, LAURIE OKI, NANCY SENSENEY, MICHELE SMITH, JEFF SPERRING, AND KELLY WALLACE. JEFF SPERRING HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH ROBERT FLOWERS, JUDY HOLDER, LAURIE OKI, NANCY SENSENEY, MICHELE SMITH, AND KELLY WALLACE. DOUGLAS PICHA HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH ROBERT FLOWERS, JUDY HOLDER, LAURIE OKI, NANCY SENSENEY, MICHELE SMITH, JEFF SPERRING, KELLY WALLACE, AND JUDY OGDEN. KELLY WALLACE HAS A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH ROBERT FLOWERS, JUDY HOLDER, LAURIE OKI, NANCY SENSENEY, AND MICHELE SMITH. KEVIN MATHER AND HOWARD LINCOLN HAVE A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4 |
THE BYLAWS WERE AMENDED DURING THE YEAR. SIX EX OFFICIO VOTING TRUSTEES BECAME EX OFFICIO NON-VOTING TRUSTEES. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6 |
THE SOLE VOTING MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION IS SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A |
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, AS THE SOLE MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, ELECTS THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (WHICH IS THE GOVERNING BODY) OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B |
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, AS THE SOLE MEMBER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, HAS THE SOLE AUTHORITY TO MAKE, ALTER, AMEND OR REPEAL THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 |
MANAGEMENT AND INDEPENDENT TAX PROFESSIONALS PRESENT AND REVIEW THE FORM 990 WITH THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. AFTER REVIEW BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND PRIOR TO FILING THE FORM 990 WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, THE ENTIRE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECEIVES A COPY OF THE FORM 990. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C |
THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION REQUIRES AN ANNUAL SURVEY OF ALL BOARD MEMBERS OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND STAFF MEMBERS OCCUPYING ROLES WITH A DEGREE OF AUTHORITY. THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL COUNSEL OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OVERSEES THE REVIEW OF ALL DISCLOSURES AND ESTABLISHES AND OVERSEES ANY NECESSARY MANAGEMENT PLANS RELATED TO THEM, IN CONJUNCTION WITH BOARD AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP. IN GENERAL, WHEN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS, THE INDIVIDUAL WITH THE CONFLICT MUST RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM PARTICIPATION IN ANY BOARD DISCUSSION OR OTHER DECISION MAKING REGARDING THE TRANSACTION AND REFRAIN FROM VOTING ON OR DECIDING ANY ISSUES RELATING TO THE CONFLICTING INTEREST. ANY PERSON COVERED BY THE POLICY WHO ENGAGES IN CONDUCT THAT VIOLATES THE POLICY, OR PURSUES A TRANSACTION OR EVENT FOLLOWING DISAPPROVAL BY THE BOARD OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM MAY, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE AUTHORITY, BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY FROM HIS OR HER DUTIES WITH SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND/OR TERMINATED IN HIS OR HER EMPLOYMENT. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FALLS WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ("MDCC") OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (SCHS), A RELATED ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE DIRECT CONTROLLING ENTITY OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION. THE SCHS BOARD ENGAGES AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY EXPERT ANNUALLY TO REVIEW AND ASSESS THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM (BASE, INCENTIVE COMPENSATION, AND EMPLOYER-PAID BENEFITS) TO DETERMINE COMPETITIVENESS. THE SCHS BOARD RELIES ON THE EXPERT ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE THAT COMPENSATION IS REASONABLE AND WITHIN THE "BOUNDS OF COMPETITIVE PRACTICE AND TO DECLARE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION OF REASONABLENESS REGARDING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REVIEWS THE SUMMARY DATA PROVIDED AND APPROVES BASE SALARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PRESIDENT. DIRECTOR AND MANAGER COMPENSATION IS REVIEWED ANNUALLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (SCH), A RELATED ORGANIZATION TO SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION. USING A COMPREHENSIVE MARKET REVIEW PROCESS THROUGH WHICH POSITIONS ARE COMPARED TO RELEVANT SURVEY DATA, KEY EMPLOYEE SALARIES ARE DETERMINED BY PERFORMANCE AND POSITION WITHIN RANGE AND GOVERNED BY THE RANGE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TO MAINTAIN COMPENSATION WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF COMPETITIVE PRACTICE. THE FULL SCHS BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVIEWS AND APPROVES ACTIONS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, AS WELL AS THE BUDGETS FOR SALARIES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF SCH. |
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 |
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. |
SEATTLE CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT 2016-2017 |
OUR MISSION WE PROVIDE HOPE, CARE AND CURES TO HELP EVERY CHILD LIVE THE MOST HEALTHY AND FULFILLING LIFE POSSIBLE. OUR VISION SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WILL BE AN INNOVATIVE LEADER IN PEDIATRIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH OUR UNSURPASSED QUALITY, CLINICAL CARE, RELENTLESS SPIRIT OF INQUIRY, AND COMPASSION FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. OUR FOUNDING PROMISE TO THE COMMUNITY IS AS VALID TODAY AS IT WAS OVER A CENTURY AGO. WE WILL CARE FOR EVERY CHILD IN OUR REGION, REGARDLESS OF THEIR FAMILY'S ABILITY TO PAY. WE WILL: - PRACTICE THE SAFEST, MOST ETHICAL AND EFFECTIVE MEDICAL CARE POSSIBLE. - DISCOVER NEW TREATMENTS AND CURES THROUGH BREAKTHROUGH RESEARCH. - PROMOTE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES WHILE REDUCING HEALTH DISPARITIES. - EMPOWER OUR TEAM TO REACH THEIR HIGHEST POTENTIAL IN A RESPECTFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT. - EDUCATE AND INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF FACULTY, STAFF, AND LEADERS. - BUILD ON A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY FOR PATIENT CARE AND RESEARCH. LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HEALTH STARTS LONG BEFORE ILLNESS - IN OUR HOMES, SCHOOLS AND JOBS - BUT ONE HOSPITAL CAN'T DO IT ALONE. PARTNERSHIPS ARE A KEY COMPONENT OF OUR SUCCESS AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S. WE ARE PARTNERS WITH PATIENTS AND FAMILIES IN THEIR HEALING. WE ARE PARTNERS WITH THE COMMUNITY IN RESEARCHING AND CREATING SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS. AND WE ARE PARTNERS WITH OTHER HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS IN FINDING NEW WAYS TO PREVENT, CURE AND TREAT PEDIATRIC DISEASE. OUR SPIRIT OF PARTNERSHIP IS EMBEDDED IN OUR COMMUNITY BENEFITS THAT HELP US MEET SOME OF THE GREATEST HEALTH NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN OUR REGION. IN COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, RESEARCHERS, DONORS AND OTHERS, WE HAVE WORKED TO: - IMPROVE COORDINATION OF CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS. - ENHANCE ACCESS TO MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH. - DECREASE INCIDENCE OF SUICIDE AND INCREASE VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES. - IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING EFFORTS INCLUDING FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY. THIS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS OUR COMMUNITY BENEFIT EFFORTS DURING THE PAST YEAR. FROM SEARCHING FOR THE CAUSE OF SIDS TO GIVING TEENS TOOLS TO RESPOND TO DISTURBING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, OUR TEAM HAS WORKED HAND-IN-HAND WITH OTHERS TO HELP EVERY CHILD THRIVE AND MEET THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL. WE FEEL SO STRONGLY ABOUT COMMUNITY HEALTH THAT IT IS NOW A PART OF OUR FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLANNING EFFORT AS AN ORGANIZATION. I AM PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED AND EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE IN THE YEARS AHEAD. SINCERELY, JEFF SPERRING, MD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
WHAT IS COMMUNITY BENEFIT? |
A COMMUNITY BENEFIT IS A PROGRAM OR SERVICE THAT MEETS AT LEAST ONE OF THESE OBJECTIVES: - IMPROVES ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE. - ENHANCES THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. - ADVANCES MEDICAL OR HEALTH KNOWLEDGE. - RELIEVES OR REDUCES THE BURDEN OF GOVERNMENT OR OTHER COMMUNITY EFFORTS. COMMUNITY BENEFITS ARE CLASSIFIED AS UNCOMPENSATED CARE, RESEARCH, HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT. COMMUNITY BENEFIT IS ALSO THE BASIS OF THE TAX-EXEMPTION OF NON PROFIT HOSPITALS. TOTAL 2016 INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY: $192,518,000* UNCOMPENSATED CARE & MEDICAID SHORTFALL: $126,683,000 HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION: $24,631,000 RESEARCH: $29,684,000 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: $11,520,000 * DOES NOT INCLUDE GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS SEATTLE CHILDREN'S RECEIVED THAT SUPPORT COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY AT WWW.SEATTLECHILDRENS.ORG/COMMUNITYBENEFIT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OUR MISSION IS NOT BOUNDED BY THE WALLS OF OUR HOSPITAL AND CLINICS. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S STAFF AND PROVIDERS WORK TO KEEP FAMILIES SAFE AND HEALTHY WHERE THEY LIVE. WE COLLABORATE WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS, ORGANIZATIONS, POLICY MAKERS AND FAMILIES TO SUPPORT CHANGES THAT IMPROVE CHILD HEALTH. WE IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND SPEAK UP FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T ALWAYS HEARD. LAWYERS LEAD FAMILIES PAST LEGAL BARRIERS MANY FAMILIES HIT A BRICK WALL WHEN TRYING TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE TO MEET THE BASIC NEEDS OF A CHILD WITH A COMPLEX HEALTH CONDITION. THE WASHINGTON MEDICAL-LEGAL PARTNERSHIP (MLP) HELPS FAMILIES WITH RIGHTS TO A SERVICE OR BENEFIT NAVIGATE THE LEGAL SYSTEM TO GET THE ASSISTANCE THEY'RE ENTITLED TO UNDER THE LAW. MOST MLP CLIENTS ARE DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES WHO - BECAUSE OF INCOME, LANGUAGE AND OTHER BARRIERS - ARE OFTEN UNAWARE OF THEIR RIGHTS AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP MEETING BASIC NEEDS. BASED AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WITH THE SUPPORT OF HOSPITAL OPERATIONS, COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS, AND DONORS, MLP ATTORNEYS BATTLE FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE; PROVIDE FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO FAMILIES; AND TRAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO RECOGNIZE HEALTH-HARMING LEGAL NEEDS, ADVOCATE FOR FAMILIES, AND REFER TO MLP. IN 2016 ALONE, 1,514 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED HEALTH CARE RELATED LEGAL SERVICES FROM THE MLP. EDUCATION, FOOD, HOUSING, PERSONAL SAFETY, AND MEDICAL INSURANCE ARE ALL SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF A CHILD'S FUTURE HEALTH. IF THOSE BASIC NEEDS GO UNMET, THEY CREATE BARRIERS TO HEALTH THAT MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR A CHILD TO THRIVE. "IT'S AMAZING HOW MANY TIMES THERE ARE LEGAL SOLUTIONS TO HEALTH BARRIERS, BUT THEY'RE NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS TO THE UNTRAINED EYE," SAYS DR. BEN DANIELSON, WHO CO-FOUNDED THE WASHINGTON MLP WITH DR. BRIAN JOHNSTON AND CAROL JENKINS. "THE MLP MODEL HELPS THOSE OF US IN HEALTHCARE CONNECT THE DOTS SO FAMILIES GET THE HELP THEY NEED." PROVIDING MORE RELIABLE RIDES CHILDREN COVERED BY MEDICAID QUALIFY FOR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. A TRANSPORTATION DESK AT THE OUTPATIENT ENTRANCE TO SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ENSURES THEY AND THEIR FAMILIES RECEIVE TIMELY AND RELIABLE SERVICE. THE DESK IS STAFFED 10 HOURS A DAY. WHEN A PATIENT AND/OR FAMILY IS READY TO LEAVE THE HOSPITAL, THE PERSON ON DUTY SCHEDULES THEIR RIDE HOME AND - IF NEEDED - THEIR NEXT RIDE TO THE HOSPITAL. FAMILIES WAITED UP TO TWO HOURS FOR THEIR RIDE BEFORE THE DESK OPENED OVER FIVE YEARS AGO. NOW THEY'RE TYPICALLY ON THEIR WAY IN 20 MINUTES, SAYS JULIE POVICK, WHO MANAGES THE MEDICAID TRANSPORTATION DESK. IN 2016, THE STAFF HELPED COORDINATE AN AVERAGE OF 50 RIDES FOR FAMILIES EACH DAY. THE LONG WAITS OCCURRED BECAUSE CAB DRIVERS WOULDN'T SHOW UP OR WOULD LEAVE WITHOUT MAKING MUCH EFFORT TO LET FAMILIES KNOW THEY HAD ARRIVED. NORTHWEST TRANSPORT INC., WHICH OFFERS TRANSPORTATION TO INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, NOW PROVIDES 80 PERCENT OF THE RIDES WHILE THE PERSON AT THE TRANSPORTATION DESK MAKES SURE DRIVERS CONNECT WITH FAMILIES. THE TRANSPORTATION DESK IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN SEATTLE CHILDREN'S AND HOPELINK, A NONPROFIT AGENCY THAT CONTRACTS WITH THE STATE TO COORDINATE TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR QUALIFYING MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PATIENTS IN THIS REGION. |
RESEARCH |
RESEARCH IS OUR INVESTMENT IN FINDING CURES. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S RESEARCHERS STRIVE TO FIND BETTER WAYS TO PREVENT, TREAT AND ELIMINATE PEDIATRIC DISEASE - WORK THAT IMPROVES THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD. COLLABORATING TO CONQUER SIDS THE CAUSE OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) IS A TRAGIC MYSTERY, BUT DR. DANIEL RUBENS CONTINUES TO NARROW THE SEARCH FOR A WAY TO KEEP NEWBORNS SAFE. RUBENS HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING A POSSIBLE LINK BETWEEN INNER EAR DYSFUNCTION AND SIDS FOR MANY YEARS. HE IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH COLLABORATORS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND DENMARK TO STUDY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SIDS AND CHILDREN WITH HEARING ABNORMALITIES IDENTIFIED BY A STANDARDIZED NEWBORN HEARING TEST. RUBENS, AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST, BELIEVES THE INNER EAR PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN RELAYING VITAL INFORMATION TO THE BRAIN AND THAT INNER EAR DAMAGE PREVENTS SOME BABIES FROM MOVING OR WAKING UP IF THEIR BREATHING BECOMES COMPROMISED. "OUR ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO DEVELOP A SCREENING TOOL AT BIRTH THAT WOULD IDENTIFY INFANTS AT HIGH RISK FOR UNEXPECTED SUDDEN DEATH," RUBENS SAYS. "THIS COULD ALLOW US TO MONITOR THEM AND PROVIDE INTERVENTIONS THAT WOULD POTENTIALLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SIDS DEATHS." ABOUT 2,000 BABIES BORN IN THE UNITED STATES DIE EACH YEAR FROM SIDS. "WE WILL KEEP WORKING AWAY TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSE OF SIDS AND WE WON'T GIVE UP UNTIL WE FIND IT," RUBENS SAYS. IMPROVING DEPRESSION OUTCOMES DEPRESSION IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AMONG TEENS. ALTHOUGH HIGHLY TREATABLE, DEPRESSION AFFECTS MOTIVATION. THE BURDEN OF SETTING UP APPOINTMENTS, FINDING PROVIDERS AND ACCESSING SERVICES MAKES IT LESS LIKELY PATIENTS WILL SEEK OR COMPLY WITH CARE. DR. LAURA RICHARDSON AND CO-INVESTIGATORS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE CREATED A COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL THAT CENTERED ON ASSIGNING TEENS A DEPRESSION CARE MANAGER WHO WORKED WITH PATIENTS, FAMILIES AND DOCTORS OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR TO DEVELOP AND FOLLOW A TREATMENT PLAN. AFTER OBSERVING A COHORT OF TEENS FROM NINE PRIMARY CARE CLINICS, RICHARDSON AND HER CO-INVESTIGATORS FOUND THAT THOSE RECEIVING COLLABORATIVE CARE HAD FIVE TIMES GREATER ODDS OF GOING INTO REMISSION COMPARED TO THOSE WHO WERE ONLY SCREENED AND ENCOURAGED TO SEEK CARE - ALL AT AN ADDITIONAL HEALTHCARE COST OF JUST $883 PER PATIENT COMPARED TO STANDARD CARE. "CARE MANAGERS CHECKED IN WITH TEEN'S ABOUT HOW THEY WERE DOING REGULARLY AND COORDINATED CARE AMONG PROVIDERS. THEY ALSO DELIVERED EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENTS LIKE BRIEF PSYCHOTHERAPY AND HELPED TO MAKE SURE TEENS WERE TAKING THEIR MEDICATIONS. IT IS CLEAR THAT HAVING THIS CONTINUITY IN CARE MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR THESE TEENS AND THEIR FAMILIES," RICHARDSON SAID. |
HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION |
HEALING AND TEACHING GO HAND IN HAND AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S. WE HOST THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON'S PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS AND ARE A TRAINING GROUND FOR NURSES AND OTHER PROVIDERS FROM A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS. EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PEDIATRIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS RAISES THE LEVEL OF CARE FOR CHILDREN EVERYWHERE. WE ALSO SUPPORT HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ALREADY CARING FOR KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. NURSE CAMP FOSTERS DIVERSITY SEATTLE CHILDREN'S ATTRACTS MANY APPLICANTS FOR VACANT NURSING POSITIONS, BUT THE POOL OF APPLICANTS DOES NOT ALWAYS REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF THE PATIENTS AND FAMILIES WE SERVE. EVERY YEAR WE OFFER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND A THREE-DAY NURSE CAMP TO LEARN ABOUT CAREERS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING. "THE NURSING PROFESSION MUST ATTRACT MORE STUDENTS FROM DIVERSE ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS," SAYS LESLIE HARDER, DIRECTOR OF NURSING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. "GETTING ACCEPTED INTO NURSING SCHOOL IS CHALLENGING. NURSE CAMP SHOWCASES NURSING TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ENCOURAGES THEM TO TAKE ESSENTIAL SCIENCE COURSES AND GET GOOD GRADES SO THEY CAN PURSUE A NURSING CAREER." OUR 2017 CAMP HAS EXPANDED TO 40 STUDENTS FROM 24. DURING THE CAMP STUDENTS JOB SHADOW WORKING NURSES, LEARN BASIC NURSING SKILLS, RECEIVE CPR TRAINING AND HEAR FROM SEATTLE CHILDREN'S NURSES AND NURSING PROFESSORS FROM LOCAL UNIVERSITIES. A SURVEY OF STUDENTS IN LAST YEAR'S CAMP SHOWED MOST BECAME MORE EXCITED ABOUT NURSING AFTER ATTENDING THE CAMP. JESSICA HAVENS ATTENDED THE 2004 CAMP AND NOW WORKS IN THE OPERATING ROOM. "THE CAMP GIVES FUTURE NURSES THE OPPORTUNITY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE JOB," SHE SAYS. THIS TRACK LEADS TO ALASKA YOU COULD SAY THAT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S PRIMARY CARE RESIDENTS ARE MADE IN ALASKA. THAT'S BECAUSE RESIDENTS WHO CHOOSE OUR PRIMARY CARE TRACK SPEND FOUR MONTHS IN ALASKA DURING EACH OF THEIR THREE YEARS OF TRAINING. THE PROGRAM WILL GRADUATE ITS THIRD CLASS OF RESIDENTS THIS YEAR. RESIDENTS ROTATE BETWEEN THE ALASKA NATIVE MEDICAL CENTER IN ANCHORAGE, A LARGE PRIVATE PEDIATRIC CLINIC IN ANCHORAGE, A NATIVE CENTER IN BETHEL AND A PRIVATE PRACTICE IN FAIRBANKS. BY THE TIME THEY COMPLETE THEIR RESIDENCY, THEY SPEND A TOTAL OF ONE YEAR IN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS. THE ALASKA ROTATIONS MEET SEVERAL NEEDS, SAYS DR. RICHARD SHUGERMAN, A SEATTLE CHILDREN'S EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN AND PEDIATRIC EDUCATION DIRECTOR FOR THE FIVE-STATE REGION WE SERVE. "PEDIATRICIANS IN ALASKA WANT TO WORK WITH OUR RESIDENTS WHILE MANY PEOPLE WHO GO INTO PRIMARY CARE WANT TO WORK WITH UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS," HE SAYS. THE ALASKA ROTATION ALSO HELPS PREPARE RESIDENTS TO WORK IN THE RURAL AREAS OF OUR FIVE-STATE REGION, WHERE THERE IS A HUGE NEED FOR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS. TEN OF THE 12 GRADUATES OF OUR PRIMARY CARE TRACK NOW PRACTICE IN OUR REGION - NINE OF THEM IN ALASKA. |
UNCOMPENSATED CARE |
A CHILD'S HEALTH SHOULD NOT HINGE ON A FAMILY'S FINANCES. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WAS FOUNDED ON THE BELIEF AND PROMISE THAT ALL CHILDREN SHOULD RECEIVE THE BEST QUALITY CARE REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WE PROVIDE HOPE, CARE AND CURES TO EVERY CHILD TO HELP EVERY CHILD LIVE THE HEALTHIEST AND MOST FULFILLING LIFE POSSIBLE. IN 2016, WE PROVIDED $126 MILLION IN UNCOMPENSATED CARE TO CHILDREN IN WASHINGTON, ALASKA, MONTANA AND IDAHO. A PATH TO WELLNESS NICOLE SMITH CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE SICKLE CELL TEAM AT THE ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC (OBCC), WHERE HER DAUGHTER HAS RECEIVED CARE SINCE SHORTLY AFTER HER BIRTH 14 YEARS AGO. "I BRAG ABOUT THEM," SHE SAYS. "THE FACT THEY ARE SICKLE CELL EXPERTS IS REASSURING BECAUSE IT'S SUCH A COMPLEX DISEASE." THE COST OF MANAGING A CHRONIC DISEASE LIKE SICKLE CELL CAN BE DAUNTING, BUT OUR UNCOMPENSATED CARE FUND FILLS GAPS IN A FAMILY'S ABILITY TO PAY. "WE NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT COMPROMISING PATIENT CARE," SAYS DR. M. A. BENDER, WHO LEADS THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S / ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC SICKLE CELL PROGRAM. SICKLE CELL RESULTS IN ABNORMAL RED BLOOD CELLS, CAUSING PAIN, ANEMIA AND ORGAN DAMAGE AND INCREASES THE RISK OF LIFE THREATENING INFECTION. THE DISEASE IS MOST COMMON AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS. NICOLE'S DAUGHTER TRAVELS 60 MILES FROM HER HOME IN MOUNT VERNON TO THE OBCC EVERY THREE MONTHS FOR CHECKUPS AND FOLLOW-UP CARE. "OUR TEAM FOCUSES ON EDUCATION, THE MOST UP-TO DATE SCREENING AND THE BEST MEDICINES TO PREVENT AND TREAT PROBLEMS," BENDER SAYS. "IF AN EMERGENCY ARISES, FAMILIES CAN CONSULT OUR EXPERTS 24 HOURS DAY." SICKLE CELL EXHIBITS FEW OUTWARD SIGNS, WHICH CAN MAKE TEACHERS, COACHES AND OTHERS DOUBT WHETHER SYMPTOMS SUCH AS FATIGUE ARE GENUINE. "[MY DAUGHTER] HASN'T HAD THAT PROBLEM, BUT THE SICKLE CELL TEAM ALWAYS SAYS THEY ARE GLAD TO COME UP IF WE NEED THEM TO ANSWER QUESTIONS," NICOLE SAYS. "IT MEANS SO MUCH THAT THEY ALWAYS HAVE OUR BACK." WAITING FOR THE CALL A CHILD FROM ALASKA WAS BORN WITH A SEVERE BIRTH DEFECT THAT CAUSED HIS HEART TO DEVELOP ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF HIS BODY WITH ONLY ONE PUMPING CHAMBER AND MALFORMED VALVES. HIS ONLY CHANCE AT LIFE WAS A NEW HEART; HIS HEALTH WAS RAPIDLY DECLINING AND HE WAS IMMEDIATELY PUT ON THE TRANSPLANT LIST. HE HAD GONE INTO CARDIAC ARREST MULTIPLE TIMES, AND HIS PARENTS AND DOCTORS FEARED HE MIGHT NOT MAKE IT. THE FAMILY UPROOTED THEIR LIVES IN ANCHORAGE AND MOVED TO SEATTLE TO SAVE THE BOY'S LIFE. "WE WERE WORRIED WE'D HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SAVING OUR SON AND BANKRUPTING OUR FAMILY," SAID MINDY, HIS MOTHER. "WE HAD TO ASK OURSELVES, 'CAN WE DO THIS FOR HIM?'" THANKS TO THE UNCOMPENSATED CARE FUND AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S, THE FAMILY WAS ABLE TO SAY YES. "THE TRANSPLANT CARDIOLOGIST RECOMMENDED WE LOOK INTO UNCOMPENSATED CARE," SAID MINDY. "FROM THERE, THE WHOLE PROCESS WAS SEAMLESS. THEY ALLOWED US TO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE COST SO WE COULD FOCUS ON OUR SON." EIGHTY-NINE DAYS AFTER PUTTING THEIR SON ON THE TRANSPLANT LIST, THEY RECEIVED A CALL; THEY HAD A MATCH. ONLY 21 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING A LIFE-SAVING HEART TRANSPLANT, HE WAS DISCHARGED FROM SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WITH A NEW HEART AND A NEW LEASE ON LIFE. THE FAMILY RETURNED TO ANCHORAGE WHERE THE BOY IS GROWING UP HAPPY AND MEETING HIS MILESTONES. |
COMMUNITY BENEFIT PRIORITIES |
OUR 2016-2019 COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT IDENTIFIES FOUR URGENT HEALTH NEEDS FOR THE CHILDREN, TEENS AND FAMILIES WE SERVE. WORKING WITH OUR PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY, WE MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN EACH OF THE FOUR PRIORITY AREAS. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. COORDINATED CARE FOR CHRONIC CONDITIONS MANAGING THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITY REQUIRES CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN MANY DIFFERENT HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AT THE HOSPITAL AND IN THE COMMUNITY. WE HELP CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC PHYSICAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, BEHAVIORAL OR EMOTIONAL CONDITIONS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL BY COMMUNICATING, COORDINATING AND TRACKING THEIR NEEDS AND OUTCOMES AS THEY GROW UP AND MOVE TO ADULT CARE. TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE DELIVERY THE ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC (OBCC) HOUSES A WIDE RANGE OF PRIMARY CARE. BUT IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO PLACE MEDICAL, DENTAL, NUTRITION AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN ONE BUILDING. OBCC STAFF AND PROVIDERS WORK AS A TEAM TO COORDINATE PATIENT CARE, LISTEN TO FAMILIES AND ADDRESS ALL THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE A CHILD'S HEALTH. "AS THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SAFETY NET GETS MORE FRAYED, FAMILIES COME TO US WITH A MULTITUDE OF ISSUES SUCH AS IMMIGRATION, HOUSING AND FOOD INSECURITY," SAYS MARK FADOOL, WHO DIRECTS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT THE CLINIC. THESE SOCIAL COMPLEXITIES ARE PARTICULARLY MORE CHALLENGING FOR CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS. MARK CONTINUES, "WE NEED TO IDENTIFY THOSE CONCERNS AND PROVIDE AN INTEGRATED RESPONSE IF WE WANT TO GET TO THE ROOT CAUSES OF MEDICAL ISSUES." A PART OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S, THE OBCC SERVES CHILDREN LIVING IN SEATTLE'S CENTRAL DISTRICT AS WELL AS SOUTH SEATTLE AND SOUTH KING COUNTY. CLINIC SOCIAL WORKERS AND COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATORS PLAY AN EVER EXPANDING ROLE IN THE CLINIC'S MISSION. BY PARTICIPATING IN A CHILD'S MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS FROM INFANCY ON, THEY HELP FAMILIES TALK ABOUT ISSUES IN THEIR DAILY LIFE THAT MAY BE AFFECTING A CHILD'S HEALTH AND CONNECT FAMILIES WITH ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES. OBCC'S TEAM ALSO WORKS WITH SCHOOLS WHERE THESE CHILDREN ATTEND, PROVIDING A TRUE MEDICAL HOME WITH COORDINATED CARE. "WE DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL A CHILD IS AN ADOLESCENT AND A FAMILY IS IN CRISIS BEFORE FULLY UNDERSTANDING THEIR NEEDS," FADOOL SAYS. MANY SERVICES, ONE ROOF AS CHILDREN APPROACH THEIR TEENS, NEW PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES ARISE. OUR ADOLESCENT MEDICINE CLINICS IN SEATTLE, BELLEVUE AND FEDERAL WAY PROVIDE CONSULTATION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR VARIOUS ADOLESCENT HEALTH CONCERNS IN LOCATIONS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS AGE GROUP. THE CLINICS SERVE PATIENTS AGES 10-21 SEEKING SPECIALIZED HELP WITH OBESITY, EATING DISORDERS, REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, TRANSGENDER CARE, SUBSTANCE ABUSE/ADDICTION AND BIOFEEDBACK FOR CHRONIC HEADACHES AND ABDOMINAL PAIN. MANY OF THOSE CONCERNS REQUIRE CARE FROM MULTIPLE SPECIALISTS, SO INSTEAD OF WORKING IN WIDELY DISPERSED OFFICES, ALL CLINIC PROVIDERS SIT NEXT TO EACH OTHER IN A LARGE TEAM ROOM WITH EXAM ROOMS RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR. "IT'S LIKE NASA MISSION CONTROL," SAYS DR. YOLANDA EVANS, AN ADOLESCENT MEDICINE SPECIALIST. "PROVIDERS CAN EASILY CONSULT WITH ONE ANOTHER AND DEVELOP INTEGRATED CARE PLANS BEFORE THEY SEE THEIR PATIENTS. PLUS IT'S EASY FOR NURSES TO TRACK DOWN PROVIDERS IF THEIR SERVICES ARE NEEDED BY OTHER PROVIDERS." FAMILIES WELCOME THE CONVENIENCE OF OBTAINING A VARIETY OF SPECIALTY SERVICES UNDER THE SAME ROOF AND APPRECIATE THE IMPROVED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PROVIDERS. "FAMILIES DON'T HAVE TO REPEAT THEIR STORIES OVER AND OVER AGAIN," EVANS SAYS. AND PATIENTS ARE VERY HAPPY THAT THE DECOR AND FURNISHINGS WERE CHOSEN FOR THEIR AGE GROUP, NOT LITTLE KIDS." HEALTHY EATING, ACTIVE LIVING AND FOOD SECURITY CHILDREN NEED MORE THAN GREAT MEDICAL CARE TO GROW UP HEALTHY, HAPPY AND STRONG. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WORKS TOGETHER WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER, FOSTER HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTS, PROMOTE NUTRITIOUS CHOICES AND ENCOURAGE KIDS TO GET THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THEY NEED TO THRIVE. REDUCING HEALTH DISPARITIES SEATTLE CHILDREN'S IS COMMITTED TO REDUCING HEALTH DISPARITIES. FUNDED BY A GRANT FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION AND THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY AND THE HEALTHY KING COUNTY COALITION WE ARE DISTRIBUTING $8 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS (2015-2017), TO WORK WITH NEARLY 23 CITIES, AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR PROJECTS THAT CREATE HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTS AND SYSTEMS WHERE PEOPLE LIVE, WORK AND PLAY. PROJECT EXAMPLES INCLUDE: - INTRODUCING EVIDENCE-BASED PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL DAY IN THE INTERAGENCY ACADEMY AND THE FEDERAL WAY AND HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS. - CREATING A YOUTH-LED EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN DELRIDGE AND WHITE CENTER TO BUILD KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT EATING HEALTHY FOODS. IN KENT, YOUTH RESIDENTS HELD LOCAL COOKING CONTESTS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING, WERE INVOLVED IN LAUNCHING THE FIRST EVER COMMUNITY RUN FARMERS MARKET, AND HOLD SEATS ON THE LOCAL FOOD POLICY COUNCIL. - EXPANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP IN THE FOOD INNOVATION NETWORK (FIN) IN SEATAC AND TUKWILA. IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM, FIN SUPPORTS RESOURCE AND IDEA-SHARING THAT ENGAGES THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES OF SEATAC, TUKWILA AND SOUTH KING COUNTY. FIN IS SUPPORTED BY THE GRANT TO WORK CLOSELY WITH COMMUNITY FOOD ADVOCATES TO IDENTIFY COMMON BARRIERS FOR FOOD ENTREPRENEURS, AND TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS AMONG FOOD ADVOCATES TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE FOOD. TAKE TWO CARROTS AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING HUNGER AND POOR NUTRITION CONTRIBUTE GREATLY TO DIET-RELATED DISEASES, BUT OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM DOESN'T COVER FOOD THE SAME WAY IT COVERS PROCEDURES AND MEDICATIONS. THE PRODUCE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM OFFERS A REMEDY FOR LOW-INCOME PATIENTS TO PREVENT, TREAT AND MANAGE DIET-RELATED DISEASES. THE PRODUCE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM ENABLES PROVIDERS AT ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN'S CLINIC (OBCC), A COMMUNITY CLINIC OF SEATTLE CHILDREN'S, TO PRESCRIBE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO ELIGIBLE PATIENT FAMILIES AND PROVIDE VOUCHERS TO REDEEM AT SAFEWAY LOCATIONS OR AT LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS THROUGH THE CITY OF SEATTLE'S FRESH BUCKS RX. THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONGST THEIR PATIENTS: FROM JULY TO DECEMBER OF 2016 ALONE, 105 FAMILIES HAVE ENROLLED AND EACH RECEIVE 6 MONTHS OF WEEKLY PRESCRIPTIONS. THE PROGRAM IS PART OF COMPLETE EATS, A STATEWIDE MULTI-SECTOR PARTNERSHIP OPERATED BY THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AND PARTIALLY FUNDED THROUGH A FOUR-YEAR FEDERAL FOOD INSECURITY NUTRITION INCENTIVE (FINI) GRANT. FOOD HARDSHIP IS A REAL AND GROWING PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS COMMUNITIES OF COLOR DISPROPORTIONATELY. BESIDES BEING UNDERNOURISHED, STUDIES SHOW THAT PEOPLE LIVING IN FOOD INSECURE HOUSEHOLDS SKIP, DELAY OR REDUCE MEDICATIONS SO THEY CAN AFFORD TO BUY FOOD. "MAINTAINING A HEALTHY DIET IS ONE OF THE KEY ACTIONS A PERSON CAN TAKE TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH," SAYS DR. BEN DANIELSON, MEDICAL DIRECTOR AT THE OBCC. "I AM THRILLED I CAN NOW PRESCRIBE BETTER NUTRITION." |
SUICIDE AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION |
A CHILD OR TEEN IS KILLED BY GUNFIRE EVERY EIGHT DAYS IN WASHINGTON. AN AVERAGE OF TWO YOUTH DIE BY SUICIDE EACH WEEK - ONE THIRD THROUGH THE USE OF A FIREARM. SEATTLE CHILDREN'S WORKS TO PROMOTE FIREARM SAFETY AND ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF YOUTH VIOLENCE AND SUICIDE. FIREARM SAFETY SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HAS A LONG HISTORY OF PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM INJURY BY PROMOTING AND INCREASING AWARENESS AND ACCESS TO SAFETY MEASURES LIKE CAR SEATS, BIKE HELMETS AND LIFE JACKETS. WE PROVIDE LOW-COST LIFE JACKETS AND FREE BIKE HELMETS AND CAR SEAT CHECKS TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACROSS THE REGION EVERY YEAR. WE ALSO PROMOTE SAFE FIREARM STORAGE. IN RESPONSE TO EVERY FIREARM-RELATED INCIDENT AND ACT OF GUN VIOLENCE THAT HAS AFFECTED CHILDREN AND TEENS IN WASHINGTON AND AROUND THE COUNTRY, SEATTLE CHILDREN'S LAUNCHED THE PROTECT OUR KIDS FROM FIREARM TRAGEDIES INITIATIVE IN 2014. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, SAFE KIDS CHAPTERS, LOCAL HOSPITALS AND OTHERS, THIS INITIATIVE DISTRIBUTED NEARLY 1,000 FREE LOCK BOXES AND TRIGGER LOCKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDUCATION ABOUT SAFE FIREARM STORAGE ACROSS WASHINGTON STATE IN 2016. EASY ACCESS TO FIREARMS IN A HOME IS A RISK FACTOR FOR FIREARM-RELATED DEATH AND INJURY AMONG CHILDREN AND TEENS. AT LEAST ONE FIREARM IS PRESENT IN NEARLY 40% OF WASHINGTON HOMES AND MORE THAN HALF OF THOSE HOMES REPORT HAVING AN UNLOCKED FIREARM. BY PROVIDING THE TOOLS AND EDUCATION TO SAFELY STORE FIREARMS IN THE HOME, WE HOPE TO REDUCE THIS RISK FACTOR AND HELP PREVENT FIREARM-RELATED INCIDENTS OR FIREARM VIOLENCE. "IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THERE WAS A TIME WE USED TO PUT CHILDREN IN CARS WITHOUT CAR SEATS OR SEATBELTS," SAYS CINDY GAZECKI, CO-FOUNDER OF THE SEATTLE CHILDREN'S FIREARM TRAGEDY PREVENTION COALITION AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AT CHILDREN'S. "MY HOPE IS THAT PEOPLE WILL LOOK BACK IN THE NOT-TOO-DISTANT FUTURE AND SAY IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THERE WAS A TIME WHEN WE DIDN'T LOCK UP OUR FIREARMS." RESPONDING TO ALARMING POSTS YOUNG PEOPLE WHO SEE DISTURBING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS FROM ANGRY OR DESPONDENT PEERS OFTEN WANT TO HELP THE PERSON WRITING THE POSTS, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW HOW. DR. MEGAN MORENO WITH THE DIVISION OF ADOLESCENT MEDICINE AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S AND RESEARCHER AT THE CENTER FOR CHILD HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATED WITH DR. STEPHANIE CRAIG RUSHING WITH THE NORTHWEST PORTLAND AREA INDIAN HEALTH BOARD (NPAIHB) TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE TO RESPOND TO POSTS THAT COULD FORESHADOW A TRAGEDY. HOMICIDE IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 15 TO 24 WHILE SUICIDE IS THE THIRD LEADING CAUSE FOR YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 10 AND 24, ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL. THE STATISTICS ARE HIGHER ACROSS THE BOARD FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH, MANY OF WHOM LIVE IN COMMUNITIES THAT LACK ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND COUNSELING SERVICES. AFTER MORENO AND RUSHING FORMED FOCUS GROUPS TO LEARN HOW NATIVE YOUTH RESPOND TO TROUBLING CONTENT, THE NPAIHB USED ITS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNEL, WE R NATIVE, TO PRESENT TIPS TO YOUTH ON HOW TO REACT. IN THE FUTURE, PROACTIVE TEXT MESSAGES COULD BE DELIVERED TO A YOUNG PERSON'S PHONE REMINDING THEM TO REACH OUT IF A POST TROUBLES THEM AND SUGGESTING STEPS THEY MIGHT TAKE. |
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
OUR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXPERTS DIAGNOSE, TREAT AND PREVENT PROBLEMS WITH EMOTIONS AND BEHAVIOR THAT CAN AFFECT A CHILD'S SAFETY, DEVELOPMENT AND WELLBEING. THEY WORK TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES OF PROBLEMS LIKE DEPRESSION AND ADDICTION AND FIND MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OVERCOME THEM. BY INCREASING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND EXPANDING THE COMMUNITY'S CAPACITY TO ASSIST FAMILIES, WE HELP MORE CHILDREN GET THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE THEY NEED. TELEHEALTH EXPANDS ACCESS TO CARE HALF OF ALL LIFETIME CASES OF MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS BEGIN BY AGE 14, BUT A DECADE OR MORE CAN PASS BEFORE MOST CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS ARE APPROPRIATELY DIAGNOSED. THE LONG DELAY IN ACCESS TO EXPERT MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES CAN HINDER EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF YOUNG PEOPLE, AND LEAD TO FURTHER HEALTH COMPLICATIONS. THE LACK OF ACCESS TO SPECIALTY SERVICES ESPECIALLY AFFECTS YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN RURAL AREAS AND SMALL TOWNS. THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IS IMPROVING ACCESS TO EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY OFFERING BOTH DIRECT CARE TO YOUNG PEOPLE AND COLLABORATIVE OUTPATIENT MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WITH THEIR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS THROUGH VIDEOCONFERENCING. VIDEOCONFERENCING USES COMPUTERS WITH VIDEO AND AUDIO CAPABILITY TO DELIVER DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT SERVICES COMPARABLE TO SERVICES DELIVERED IN PERSON. THIS SERVICE DELIVERY IS OFTEN CALLED TELEMENTAL HEALTH OR TELEBEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND IS NOW COVERED BY MANY INSURANCE COMPANIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. FOR 15 YEARS, OUR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS HAVE PROVIDED CONSULTATIONS AND ONGOING DIRECT CARE SERVICES TO MORE THAN 6,000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUTPATIENT CLINICS AND AT COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS IN WASHINGTON (INCLUDING OLYMPIA, TRI-CITIES, WENATCHEE, MOSES LAKE, LONGVIEW, AND BELLINGHAM, AS WELL AS OKANAGAN COUNTY AND STEVENS COUNTY) AND ALASKA (SOUTHEAST, SOUTHCENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST ALASKA). RAPID ACCESS TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO ALL PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS IN WASHINGTON AND WYOMING THROUGH STATE MEDICAID PARTNERSHIPS. CONNECTING WITH MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS IN REAL TIME GIVES PEDIATRICIANS THE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT DEPRESSION, EATING DISORDERS, ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AND OTHER ISSUES THAT MIGHT GO UNDIAGNOSED AND UNTREATED BECAUSE OF LACK OF ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED CARE. THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S IS RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL LEADER IN DISTANT CARE USING TELEHEALTH TECHNOLOGIES. COUNSELING KIDS WITH HEARING LOSS CHALLENGES FOR DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING CHILDREN GO BEYOND LANGUAGE. THEIR STRUGGLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND UNDERSTAND THE WORLD AROUND THEM CAN CONTRIBUTE TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. THESE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES FIND THE THERAPY AND SUPPORT THEY NEED AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S, WHERE A TEAM OF FOUR PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE PROVIDERS DELIVER SPECIALIZED OUTPATIENT CARE. THE FOUR THERAPISTS ARE FLUENT IN SIGN LANGUAGE AND ARE TRAINED IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND IN WORKING WITH DEAF/HARD-OF-HEARING CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. TWO ARE DEAF THEMSELVES AND ONE SPEAKS FLUENT SPANISH. COMMUNICATING WITH PATIENTS DIRECTLY AND FLUENTLY IN THEIR PRIMARY LANGUAGE AND/OR COMMUNICATION MODE ENABLES PATIENTS TO GIVE AND RECEIVE INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT GOING THROUGH AN INTERPRETER. BESIDES FACING UNIQUE CHALLENGES, THIS GROUP OF CHILDREN IS PRONE TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT ALSO AFFECT HEARING CHILDREN LIKE ADHD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR AUTISM. "PEOPLE WHO DO NOT SPECIALIZE IN THE DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING POPULATION MIGHT ASSUME A HARD-OF-HEARING CHILD IS FINE, BUT THESE KIDS NEED SOMEBODY WHO UNDERSTANDS THEIR PERSPECTIVE AND THEIR EXPERIENCES TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR LIVES. OUR TEAM HERE SUPPORTS THESE CHILDREN TO DO WELL IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES," SAYS THERAPIST SUSAN SIDMAN. VISIT OUR DISCOVERY PORTAL SEATTLE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE'S DISCOVERY PORTAL IS A FREE VISITOR CENTER WHERE OUR COMMUNITY CAN LEARN ABOUT THE WORK UNDERWAY TO DEVELOP LIFESAVING CURES, ACCELERATE CLINICAL ADVANCES AND ADDRESS HEALTH ISSUES AFFECTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AROUND THE WORLD. WE REGULARLY WELCOME TOUR GROUPS, DONORS, STUDENT VISITORS, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE INSPIRATIONAL RESEARCH HAPPENING AT SEATTLE CHILDREN'S. THE DISCOVERY PORTAL IS A SELF-GUIDED EXPERIENCE AND IS ACCESSIBLE FOR ANYONE. WE ARE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8 A.M. UNTIL 4:30 P.M. IN THE LOBBY OF THE JACK R. MACDONALD BUILDING, 1900 NINTH AVENUE, SEATTLE, WA. VISIT WWW.SEATTLECHILDRENS.ORG/DISCOVERYPORTAL TO LEARN MORE AND TO PLAN YOUR VISIT. THE 2016-2019 SEATTLE CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD MORE THAN 100 PAGES OF IMPORTANT AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, PUBLIC HEALTH AND LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS INTERESTED IN IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN KING COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE. USE IT FOR YOUR REPORTS, GRANT MAKING PROPOSALS, AND SCHOOL PROJECTS. THE ASSESSMENT COMPILES EPIDEMIOLOGIC DATA ON HEALTH OUTCOMES AS WELL AS DEMOGRAPHIC, BEHAVIORAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA, INCLUDES PRIMARY DATA, SUCH AS KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS, COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS, AND A COMMUNITY ASSETS ASSESSMENT. VISIT: WWW.SEATTLECHILDRENS.ORG/ABOUT/COMMUNITY-BENEFIT/ COMMUNITY-HEALTH-ASSESSMENT/ |