Of Ohio Speaking on behalf of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

For more information contact: 6555 Busch Blvd. Suite 112, Columbus, OH ( )

A national grassroots advocacy network of families and friends founded in 1992 Advocating on behalf of CYSHCN for:  Family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, coordinated, culturally competent care  Families as decision makers  Essential partnerships between families and professionals 1

1935 – MCHB authorized as Title V of Social Security Act 1981 – History of family advocacy through the 1980’s Katie Beckett Waiver in 1981; MCHB promotes F/P partnerships 1992 – National Family Voices founded Vision of MCHB (Title V) and health care reform drives formation of national family organization to connect family leaders

1993 – Family Voices of Ohio Kathleen Bachmann, Family Consultant for BCMH 1996 – Family Voices receives funding for initial 8 F2FHIC Funding for family groups at the state level to prepare families to become effective partners and leaders in programs and policies; Gradual expansion of F2FHIC to all states by various funding streams 2009 – FV of Ohio received federal grant for a F2FHIC

OUR Purpose To provide information and support regarding health care issues to Ohio families To raise awareness of the health care industry regarding the health care requirements of children To assist families in navigating the health service system To raise awareness in the community of the unique needs of children

A Trusted Resource on Health Care Through our national network we provide families tools to: Make informed decisions Advocate for improved public and private policies Build partnerships among professionals and families

Children/youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) Have or are at risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition. They usually require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally. (1994/1995) Broad range of chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay, ADHD, depression, autism, asthma CYSHCN account for 40% or more of medical expenditures for children overall.

Creates and/or shares opportunities for parents and professionals to work together to ensure CYSHCN are active participants in their communities This is accomplished through our statewide Family to Family Health Information Network. of Ohio

Family to Family Health Information Network “Helping families navigate the health care system” This project is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services – Health Resources and Services Administration – Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of Child, Adolescent and Family Health (H84MC12903).

Health Information Specialists assist Financing needed services families in: Accessing a medical home Accessing community services Partner/decision making with professionals Screenings Transitioning to adult services

The top 10 areas of 1-1 assistance and trainings: 1. Family Support 2. Communicating with child’s providers 3. Education/schools/IEP 4. Screening for Early Intervention & IEP 5. Public Health Care Funding (Medicaid, BCMH, etc..) 6. Recreation 7. Transition: Finding adult health care providers 8. Disability awareness 9. Providing information to increase skills/knowledge 10. Community services (Housing, etc…) of Ohio

Impact on the Family CSHCN whose conditions cause financial problems for the family

Impact on the Family CSHCN whose conditions may cause family to cut back or stop working

The success of Family Voices of Ohio is based on the fact that staff and board members are all parents of children and adults who have special health care needs Contact Us: Northwest Ohio: Cindy Bregel – Northeast Ohio: Jennifer Wolford Greathouse – ext. 226 Southwest Ohio: Kamesha Anderson – Central Ohio: Kelly Morris – Southeastern Ohio: Jessica Hawk –

For more information contact: 6555 Busch Blvd. Suite 112, Columbus, OH ( ) Carol Keltner - Project Director Patty Dovell – Project Coordinator