September 2024 Newsletter

Executive Director Search Continues

FCOM continues its search for its next Executive Director.

It is part-time, 20 hours per week, and will be a very modestly paid position to start. Some experience working with a non-profit organization and grant writing is strongly preferred. The official office is in Zeeland, but working remotely is fine. Being able to travel is a must. Please see the Position Announcement for more details.

If you know anyone interested, email Ann at admin@fcomi.org

or call 248-635-8695 (FCOM line).

MIHHS Free Clinic Appropriation

Grant Application is OPEN!

If you did not receive your application from the state, contact Juliette Rousseau at rousseauj@michigan.gov. She will send you an application.

Note the NEW line item #28 Budget Items – You can check off "Free Clinics of Michigan Support or Projects"! This could include, but is not limited to, yearly dues, conference costs, list of conference supporters, in-kind contributions, and monetary support.

Update: Veteran's Health Services

From Ann: Jim Yates, coordinator for Veteran Services in the Upper Peninsula, contacted me to help locate clinics for veteran care in the U.P. This conversation morphed into a discussion of our clinics and serving veterans.

I have attached two items from Jim: their brochure describing their services with contact information and the explanation of the I-Reach program. The I-Reach program is designed as an introduction and “how to” to people who have identified themselves as veterans. It has basic information as well as “dos and don’ts” when talking to veterans.

Feel free to call/email Jim with any veteran questions at jyates@miruralclinics.org or yatesja1@msu.edu.

While there are healthcare programs for many veterans, some veterans are not eligible for VA care. If we can connect them to the VA – great! If not…they can always receive care with one of our clinics.

If you are interested in exploring what more you can do regarding veteran healthcare, don’t hesitate to contact Jim.

Telehealth Post-Pandemic:

A Roadmap for the Coming Decade

Think Tank Conference Update

From August 7th to August 9th, Ann and 34 others attended the Telehealth Post-Pandemic Conference to create a document outlining support for improved and enhanced telehealth services throughout Michigan. The final report of the six sub-groups will be published in the Journal of Telemedicine and E-Health, probably in the November issue. Ann and FCOM will be cited as one of the four authors for the Patient Equity section.

Upcoming Conferences

2024 NAFC Charitable Healthcare Symposium

September 29 through October 1

Atlanta, Georgia--- Loews Atlanta Hotel

Additional information available on the NAFC website.

Ann is attending the conference. Free & Charitable Clinics of Michigan will be sponsoring an FCOM Dinner; let Ann (admin@fcomi.org) know if you plan to attend! We will meet in the hotel lobby 5:30ish. Ann will also post a notice at the conference.

Legislative Updates

Nothing new at this time.

There are very few meetings occurring until mid-September.

Broadband expansion – We continue to support all the work being done to extend broadband capability across the state and financial assistance for those who cannot afford access to the internet. MIHI is laying more cable and increasing access. If your area continues to experience spotty access, please continue to contact MIHI at help@mihi n.org. This is ongoing.

House Bill 5114 – Carrie Rheingans (D) Ann Arbor -Expanding the definition of mental health providers to include Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Up for second reading in the House.

Medicaid Unwinding Continues

See Michigan’s website with current information

www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/end-phe

FCOM Facebook Page

Reminder: We want to share your successes!

If you have anything you would like to post on the site: fundraisers, events you are doing in the community, awards or news articles your staff or the clinic has received or written, please send the information to admin@fcomi.org so we can post it on our page.