This episode of “Pause for the Truth,” titled “Bridging Health Gaps in Jacksonville,” features Dr. Rogers Cain, Jocelyn Turner, Dr. Kelly Tice (President of the Northeast Florida Medical Society), Dr. Matthew Thompson, and Paul Sappia (from Telescope Health). The discussion centers on the persistent health disparities in Jacksonville and the efforts being made to address them, particularly for the uninsured and underserved communities.

Key Points:

• Acknowledging Disparities: The panelists emphasize the critical need to acknowledge that health outcomes are drastically different across various areas and communities within Jacksonville. They highlight how personal experiences, even for healthcare professionals, can reveal a lack of awareness regarding these disparities.

• The Role of Telescope Health’s Health Link Jacks Program:

  • This program, born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to be a better access point for care than emergency rooms for uninsured Duval County residents.

  • Individuals can call 904-925-CARE (24/7) to speak with a nursing-led team, get immediate access to a doctor, and be connected to various community resources for blood work, labs, transportation, food insecurity, and primary care.

  • The program focuses on connecting people to long-term care solutions and addressing the root causes that lead individuals to seek emergency care for non-emergencies.

  • Patients from every zip code in Duval County have utilized the service, with higher concentrations in areas with worse health outcomes.

• Social Determinants of Health: The discussion underscores that basic needs like food, housing, and utilities must be met before individuals can effectively address health behaviors. The panelists express concern that dwindling subsidies for marketplace insurance plans could worsen these disparities, pushing more people into the ranks of the uninsured.

• Community Collaboration and Policy Change:

  • Effective solutions require collaboration among hospitals, insurers, and community partners.

  • The experts advocate for policies that focus on the overall health of the community and involve multiple partners (UF Health, Baptist Health, Agape Clinic, Department of Health, etc.), rather than relying on a single entity.

  • They emphasize the importance of sustainable funding for expanded services for safety-net providers.

  • The lack of Medicaid expansion in Florida is highlighted as a significant factor widening health gaps in the state.

  • Community involvement, including businesses and local leaders, is crucial for fostering an environment that supports health equity.

• What’s Next for Telescope Health: The organization is expanding its partnerships within Jacksonville (e.g., with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, JSO, 988 hotline), adding behavioral health support, and launching similar programs in other counties and cities across Florida, including rural areas.