What's New at WAFCC?
Listening Session with Governor Tony Evers
Tuesday, January 17th, Connor Doppler, WAFCC Manager, got the chance to advocate for Wisconsin’s Free and Charitable Clinics directly with Governor Tony Evers! Governor Evers and Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, MSN, MPH, RN, visited UWS as part of a series of listening sessions being held throughout the state in preparation for the 2023-25 budget.
Connor joined the forum of other community leaders to relay our mission of supporting, strengthening, and advocating for Wisconsin's free and charitable clinics. During this discussion, he advocated for increasing annual funding. Before the biennial state budget is set, we hope to increase the $1,500,00 allotted in Wis. Stat. § 250.15 to $3,00,000 annually.
These direct conversations are incredibly important in achieving our organization’s mission statement. They ensure that local and state officials are aware of the important work FCCs are performing, and therefore help secure necessary funding in future budgets.
Click here to view a short news segment from a local channel covering the event!
Connor joined the forum of other community leaders to relay our mission of supporting, strengthening, and advocating for Wisconsin's free and charitable clinics. During this discussion, he advocated for increasing annual funding. Before the biennial state budget is set, we hope to increase the $1,500,00 allotted in Wis. Stat. § 250.15 to $3,00,000 annually.
These direct conversations are incredibly important in achieving our organization’s mission statement. They ensure that local and state officials are aware of the important work FCCs are performing, and therefore help secure necessary funding in future budgets.
Click here to view a short news segment from a local channel covering the event!
Public Health Emergency Unwinding Update
We would like to inform you about the recent Public Health Emergency (PHE) unwinding update from Wisconsin DHS. States have been told to expect a 60-day notice in advance of the PHE end date, which they did not get in November. They are now operating under the working assumption (confirmed by federal partners) that the PHE will be extended again past its current end date of January 11, 2023.
In the meantime, the State is encouraging everyone to stay informed by joining their Unwinding Email List. "Unwinding” is how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) describe the process for states to return to routine, pre-pandemic operations. Over the past months, the State has been planning for this process with the goal in mind to ensure that Wisconsin residents will have the healthcare benefits that meet their needs. For more information including how your providers may prepare their patients for upcoming changes, click here.
In the meantime, the State is encouraging everyone to stay informed by joining their Unwinding Email List. "Unwinding” is how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) describe the process for states to return to routine, pre-pandemic operations. Over the past months, the State has been planning for this process with the goal in mind to ensure that Wisconsin residents will have the healthcare benefits that meet their needs. For more information including how your providers may prepare their patients for upcoming changes, click here.
NAFCC SummitFrom Oct. 24rd - 25th, several of our staff members (Dennis Skrajewski - Executive Director, Danine Casper - Business Manager, and Heather Ule - Program Manager) joined the NAFCC Conference in Indianapolis, IN. This was a wonderful opportunity to network with clinics and other state associations to share ideas, lessons learned, and best practices.
Alongside the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) and Second Opinions, we presented "So How Much is it?" - a discussion focused on an ongoing initiative to bring a universal method for valuing free and charitable clinic services and costs that is consistent and evidence-based. |
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Equitable Vaccination Network
Our partnership with Sostento through their Equitable Vaccination Network (EVN) has allowed us to provide supplemental support to Wisconsin FCCs that, to date, they have administered over 32,000 vaccinations to the uninsured and underserved populations. Check out the videos of Open Arms Free Clinic and Health Connections experience in the network.
Open Arms Free Clinic - Elkhorn, Wisconsin
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to rural nonprofits like the Open Arms Free Clinic in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Through the network, they were able to help inform, protect, and provide a safe space for their patients. Watch the video to get their full story and a reveal of how they are going above and beyond to reach even more patients!
Health Connections - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
For Health Connections, the COVID-19 pandemic meant finding new ways to serve Milwaukee. Through the network, Health Connections could connect with like-minded organizations in these difficult times to draw strength and share knowledge. Watch the video to get their full story and see how they even vaccinated beyond their clinic to mitigate the pandemic.
Join our Listserv to connect with other Clinic Leaders!
WAFCC recently launched a Listserv for all leaders at our member clinics to send out perinate information such as available donations and upcoming events. For more information and if you would like to join, please contact Danine.Casper@wafcclinics.org.