THE MAGAZINE OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA | WINTER 2017 n VOLUME 44 n NUMBER 1 CARING FOR THE WHOLE PERSON INTEGRATED HEALTH AND NUTRITION Charities USA (ISSN 0364-0760) is published by Catholic Charities USA. Address all correspondence to the Managing Editor. © 2017 Catholic Charities USA, Alexandria, Virginia. EDITOR’S COLUMN Editorial and Business Office 2050 Ballenger Ave., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-549-1390 • Fax: 703-549-1656 Dear Readers: You will have noticed upon receiving this magazine www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org | [email protected] that Charities USA is coming to you in a “smaller package.” We are always grateful for the heartfelt feedback we receive, praise and Catholic Charities USA is the national office for one of the criticism alike. It helps us serve you better. One comment we have nation’s largest social service networks. Member agencies and institutions nationwide provide vital social services received from more than a few readers is that the handsome look to almost nine million people in need, regardless of their of Charities USA must come at a price. We interpreted this as a religious, social or economic backgrounds. Catholic Charities subtle way of saying, “Cut your costs.” So we did. The present size USA supports and enhances the work of its members by of the magazine has substantially reduced the costs of production providing networking opportunities, national advocacy, program and postage. development, training and consulting and financial benefits. Nevertheless, inside this leaner version you still get the same good Donate Now: 1-800-919-9338 | ccusa.convio.net/support news about what the Catholic Charities ministry is doing to reduce, Publisher alleviate and prevent poverty in communities and neighborhoods Catholic Charities USA across our country: everything from innovative programs and intel- Managing Editor ligent, informed advocacy for those people in our society that have David Werning dire needs and no voice. Sr. Creative Director The current issue focuses on Integrated Health and Nutrition. There Sheena Lefaye Crews are two main sections (along with our regular features): one focus- Sr. Graphic Designer ing on the area of healthcare and one on nutrition. Each section Elias Kontogiannis contains three articles: an overview of the particular area (either Editorial Committee healthcare or nutrition) within the Catholic Charities ministry, fol- Jean Beil Patricia Cole lowed by two examples of Catholic Charities agencies working Brian Corbin in the same area. Integrated Health and Nutrition is also one of Kristan Schlichte the Strategic Priorities announced at the 2016 Annual Gathering. Jane Stenson Watch the “CCUSA Update” section in future issues as we keep you informed about all the strategic priorities. n David Werning, Managing Editor To comment on this issue, please write to David Werning at [email protected]. LAST ISSUE: FALL 2016 WINTER 2017 CONTENTS INTEGRATED HEALTH AND THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES MINISTRY: 06 AN OVERVIEW By David Werning, Managing Editor, Catholic Charities USA FEATURES Integrated Health 06 Introduction 08 Catholic Charities Maine 08 12 Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans Nutrition 14 Introduction 16 Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago 18 Catholic Charities West Virginia 14 Nutrition Policy Update 21 Importance of Federal Nutrition Programs DEPARTMENTS 04 President’s Column 26 24 CCUSA Update 26 Network Notes 29 Agency Spotlight “Our Catholic Charities agencies become touch points for people in need across the country and our territories. As we say so often about the work of charity, this is all about need, not creed.” — Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD 4 | CHARITIES USA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN We know that healthy communities are key to ensuring a vibrant, productive society. Throughout Cath- olic Charities, we are committed to fostering the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of those who come to us for assistance. Access to primary care physicians, behavioral health specialists, pas- toral care and healthy nutrition are all components of developing healthy families and communities. Clearly, those who are most in need of these services often are not aware of local community resourc- es. Our Catholic Charities agencies become touch points for people in need across the country and our territories. As we say so often about the work of charity, this is all about need, not creed. In the pages that follow, you will have an opportunity to see snapshots of some of the incredible work our agencies are doing to meet areas of basic needs in population health management. Keys to success with this strategic initiative of Catholic Charities are our partnerships with health- care providers, parishes, corporations and foundations that, when working in concert, can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable. One major effort underway is our collaboration with Catholic Healthcare providers to develop creative ways to address the mental health crisis in our country. We are exploring solutions to this crisis that are financially viable and yield positive treatment outcomes. Lack of access to primary care for chronic health issues and to healthy nutrition often exacerbate emotional problems. We are convening thought leaders throughout the Catholic Charities ministry to develop and pilot creative programs that we hope to spread over the course of the next 5 years. Thank you for your prayers and support of those who are so in need. Count on our prayers for you as we move forward in mercy and faith. Gratefully, Sr. Donna Markham OP, PhD President & CEO, Catholic Charities USA WINTER 2017 | 5 INTEGRATED HEALTH AND THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES MINISTRY: AN OVERVIEW By David Werning, Managing Editor, Catholic Charities USA he Catholic Charities ministry in the United States under the conditions). This is exacerbated by the fact that “two-thirds of pri- leadership of Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD has estab- mary care physicians report not being able to access outpatient lished seven strategic priorities for the next five years. One behavioral health for their patients [due to] shortages of mental part of this bold vision is to innovate in the field of integrated health care providers, health plan barriers, and lack of coverage Thealth, which is a positive new trend in health care systems. The in- or inadequate coverage.” And even if a patient is referred from pri- tegrated health model seeks to treat the whole human person and mary care to a behavioral health clinic, the patient often does not refers to the coordinated service approach of both primary and be- follow through on the appointment.1 Quite often, patients end up havioral healthcare care so that the patient receives the help he going to an emergency room, not knowing where else to go, which or she needs without having to see multiple health care provid- has the dual effect of driving up costs and overburdening ER de- ers at multiple locations. It also gives due attention to the spiritual partments, not to mention the fact that the patients may not get the well-being of the person. care they need.2 If there were more collaboration between prima- ry and behavioral healthcare providers, then more patients would The need for integrated health care becomes clear when one con- be seen and treated. fronts two important realities facing the overall health care system. The first reality is that people with behavioral issues are less likely A second reality that augurs persuasively for the need of an in- to be treated because the overall system consists mostly of prima- tegrated health care system is the scarcity of funds and, on this ry care providers. According to the Patient-Centered Primary Care point, integrated health models can help. The American Psychiatric Collaborative (PCPCC), “67 percent of people with a behavioral Association (APA) found that “effective integration of medical and health disorder do not get behavioral health treatment” (and many behavioral care could save $26-$48 billion annually in general of these same individuals do not receive care for chronic physical healthcare costs,” which makes working toward a fully integrated 6 | CHARITIES USA system worth the effort.3 Indeed, the APA’s conclusion is supported by the PCPCC’s discovery that the “use of health care services decreased by 16 percent for those re- ceiving behavioral health treatment, while it increased by 12 percent for patients who were not treated for their behavioral health care needs.”4 The benefits of an integrated health model are evident and achievable for every com- munity and health care system. What is needed is the willingness to operate outside of the status quo and to adopt certain principles and behaviors. For example, seg- regated behavioral health care delivery, which is often separated from overall health care, needs to move toward an inclusive, strengths-based model of delivery that treats the whole person. The goal includes not only treating the disease but also facil- itating a return to a healthy life for the patient, including access to healthy food choic- es (see the Nutrition section beginning on page 14). Ideally, a patient would be under the care of a team that would coordinate services. There are challenges, of course, with setting up such a system, the issue of reimbursements, and establishing sound evidence-based practices tools to measure effectiveness. However, the benefits out- weigh the challenges. Contact the following agencies The Catholic Charities ministry in the United States certainly would benefit greatly AN OVERVIEW for other integrated health models from an integrated health model. Across the country, Catholic Charities agencies pro- within the Catholic Charities vide a diverse array of health services: health and dental clinics, home health services, ministry: skilled nursing facilities, pastoral care, and hospice to name just a few. Moreover, a little less than 150,000 adults received counseling and mental health services and Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton: a little more than 70,000 received addiction services.