DETROIT, Nov. 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority held its first meeting of the Primary Care Network Council (PCNC) today at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. The meeting was chaired by Richard C. Bohrer, former U.S. Surgeon General with the U.S. Public Health Services and Director of the Community Health Center Program in Washington, D.C.
"This is an important milestone for the Health Authority and our efforts to improve the delivery of primary care to the medically underserved," said Gail L. Warden, Chairman of the Health Authority Board of Directors. "The leadership and experience that Dick Bohrer brings is very important to creating a more effective delivery system for the region."
The group discussed efforts in other cities like St. Louis and Miami that have shown significant cost savings and better use of existing resources by working together in a more integrated and coordinate manner. Integration and coordination is at the heart of the mission of the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority, who views its role as a facilitator.
"By bringing together the leadership of our primary care centers in Detroit and Wayne County, the Health Authority is providing a platform for open and honest dialogue about ways that we can better serve the uninsured and underinsured population in our region," said Chris Allen, Executive Director and CEO. "The elimination of duplicate fiscal, information, administrative and clinical systems will yield huge savings for all of the providers of primary care," he said.
When asked why he agreed to come to Detroit and assist the Health Authority in this work, Mr. Bohrer responded by saying "I was impressed by the commitment that many in the community have made to strengthening health centers and improving the quality of service for those most in need of care. This is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference and I am excited about being asked to work with the Health Authority on this important initiative."
The Primary Care Network Council (PCNC) is comprised of 21 executives from primary care health centers in Detroit and Wayne County. Additional information can be found on the Health Authority web site at www.dwcha.org .