Consumer Health Collaborative

Description and Mission

In January 2008, IPRO's Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) was redesigned, renamed and expanded in its mission and activities. The "new" Consumer Health Collaborative of New York (CHCNY) will include a broad range of health care professionals and agencies working with and for consumers of health care in New York State.

The first meeting of the Consumer Health Collaborative was held February 5th and brought together both new members and other key stake holders who have served on the Consumer Advisory Council in the past.

IPRO's Consumer Health Collaborative offers its members access to organizations with common goals to help facilitate the mobilization of grass roots initiatives in support of patient centered care.

IPRO is most fortunate to have Carol Rodat, New York Director of Policy of the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute to serve as Chairwoman of the Collaborative. Her knowledge of New York State health care concerns and issues will support and guide the membership in accomplishing all goals and activities.

The Collaborative's areas of focus will include but not be limited to the following areas:

• Quality of Care
  QIO reviews and activities in support of beneficiary protection and access to the QIO Quality of Care Complaint process
• Preventive Health Services
• Cultural Awareness
• Self Care Management
• Transitions in Care, i.e. inpatient to outpatient settings
• Informed Decision Making
• Patient Safety

IPRO Staff Advisors

• Clare B. Bradley, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer
• Andrea Goldstein, RN, MS, Vice President, Medicare/Federal Health Care Assessment Programs
• Spencer Vibbert, Vice President, Communications and Corporate Development
• Barbara Schwartz, Director, Communications and Corporate Development

The Collaborative is organized by Sheila McCullagh, a registered nurse with an extensive background in health care consumer advocacy.

• Consumer Health Collaborative Members

For more information about IPRO's Consumer Health Collaborative or to inquire about membership, please contact Sylvia Toufexis at (516) 209-5262 or by e-mail SToufexis@ipro.org.