Coalitions Role in Health Education

[Guest Jerry99]

As we look at the various activities of a health care coalition, I think it is important to note that health education can be one of the most beneficial activities for a coalition to become involved in. A coalition, through health education programs combined with adequate baseline data, can impact the appropriate use of health care resources in a given community. A good example of this type of initiative, that is

still unfolding, is the Heartland Healthcare Coalitions efforts to impact the inappropriate use of Emergency Room facilities at area hospitals for specific

level 1 & 2 upper respiratory infections and their upcoming initiative to deal with the inappropriate use of antibiotics for viral infections. These efforts by HHC, which are designed to impact their member population and the community at-large, are being coordinated with area hospitals, physicians, health departments, and health plans to insure a hopefully high level of success in changing consumer behavior.

Jerry Custer