Alister Martin’s Post

In my journey, I've witnessed how AI is revolutionizing healthcare and is rapidly pushing the work we do here at A Healthier Democracy forward. Through our partnership with the AI for Impact program at Northeastern, A Healthier Democracy AI is a transformative collaboration that revolutionizes civic engagement and closes the gap in voter participation and federal program use within the United States low-income communities. As we continue to explore and implement these technologies, our focus remains on improving patient care and outcomes. I’m thrilled to be part of this revolution and look forward to seeing how AI will continue transforming the healthcare landscape. Check out our work below: https://buff.ly/3zvCXaF #healthcare #hospitals #health #doctors

Recently, I've been drawing and learning quite a bit from Mosoka Fallah on rapid and measured public health response through his work on the spread of Ebola in East Africa. He highlights five crucial measures from his experience during the 2014/2015 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. These steps are essential for effectively managing and mitigating the impact of the virus in the region. Firstly, rapid response is paramount. Every hour counts in managing an Ebola outbreak, and swift action can significantly reduce transmission rates. This involves quickly identifying and isolating infected individuals to prevent further spread. The quicker we act, the more lives we can save. Secondly, public education is crucial. Communities need to be well-informed about how the virus spreads and the necessary precautions to take. Misinformation can lead to panic and counterproductive behavior. Educating the public helps in fostering cooperation and ensuring that safety protocols are followed diligently. This involves using multiple communication channels to reach diverse audiences, including local leaders, radio broadcasts, social media, and community meetings. Thirdly, contact tracing must be rigorous and thorough. Tracking down everyone who has come into contact with an infected person helps in identifying potential new cases early. This step is vital in breaking the chain of transmission. Effective contact tracing requires resources and trained personnel who can act quickly and efficiently.  The fourth step involves adequate protective gear and support for healthcare workers. Those on the frontline are at the highest risk and need proper equipment and training to protect themselves while caring for patients. Ensuring their safety is paramount, not only for their health but also to maintain a capable workforce to combat the outbreak. Finally, regional cooperation is essential. Ebola does not recognize borders, and collaborative efforts between neighboring countries can strengthen the overall response. Sharing information, resources, and strategies can create a united front against the virus, increasing the chances of containment and eradication. These steps, if implemented effectively, can significantly reduce the spread of Ebola and save countless lives. As healthcare professionals, staying informed and prepared is our best defense against such outbreaks. Read more at: https://buff.ly/3RVhvCs #healthcare #publichealth #globalhealth #doctors #hospitals

This July 4th, I am most proud of our team at Vot-ER. In 2020, we conducted the largest ever study of healthcare based voter registration and the results have huge implications for the future of our democracy and solidifies something we've intuited for a long time; healthcare based voter registration could be the missing piece to accessing the 72 million Americans who are eligible to vote but who are not registered. Nationally, we helped 12,441 patients vote on Election Day through our nonpartisan multimodal campaign. Last month JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association published the results. Here's what we found: 1. We reached a significantly younger population than the average voter 2. We reached a significantly more racially + ethnically diverse population than the average voter 3. Demographically, the distribution of voters reached was significantly different from traditional methods What’s the so what? Healthcare based voter registration accesses the folks that traditional political campaigns do not. That has big implications and in the long term, SDOH initiatives should prioritize expanding voting access to address the upstream determinants of health in historically marginalized communities. Huge thank you to our research council and the incredible Dr. Katherine McCabe who led the cross sectional analysis. https://lnkd.in/d3K3JR3y #civichealth

What's been worrying me lately is the trouble on the horizon for our nation's primary care workforce in rural communities throughout our country. The Teaching Health Center (THC) program, a cornerstone of the Affordable Care Act since 2010, has been instrumental in training primary care residents in outpatient settings, focusing particularly on underserved rural and urban areas. This initiative has been a beacon of success, consistently producing graduates who are committed to practicing in these critical locations. However, this achievement is now under threat. The program's financial foundation is precarious, heavily dependent on congressional appropriations, which are set to expire at the end of December. Without renewed funding, the future of the 82 THC programs nationwide hangs in the balance. This potential disruption not only jeopardizes the continuation of these vital training programs but also threatens to exacerbate the already dire shortage of primary care physicians in underserved communities. The looming uncertainty underscores a troubling misalignment between the pressing healthcare needs of the population and the support for training opportunities in community-based settings. The crux of this issue highlights a broader systemic problem: the necessity to secure sustainable funding for programs that directly address healthcare inequities. If we fail to stabilize and extend funding for the THC program, we risk dismantling a critical pipeline of healthcare providers dedicated to serving our most vulnerable populations. Policymakers must recognize the value of the THC program and act swiftly to ensure its continuity, safeguarding the health and well-being of underserved communities across the country. Read more at: https://buff.ly/4csj179 #Healthcare #hospitals #PublicHealth #doctors

Witnessing the profound impact of social and economic factors on health has reshaped my perspective on healthcare. Our well-being isn't just determined by what happens in clinics but by our access to food, housing, utilities, transportation, and safety. These factors can profoundly influence our lives, especially for those who are marginalized or economically disadvantaged. In the U.S., nearly two-thirds of primary care physicians screen patients for social needs, yet only about a third screen for financial security, a critical concern for many low-income Americans. This gap reveals a significant mismatch between what physicians are looking for and what patients are most worried about. Our current healthcare system is slowly recognizing the importance of addressing these drivers. Providers, payers, and policymakers are taking steps to integrate social and economic needs into clinical care. This includes screening patients for these needs and coordinating with community-based organizations to address them. However, this effort often requires resources that many practices lack, and some argue that addressing non-medical needs falls outside the traditional scope of healthcare. From my perspective, the evidence suggests that meeting these needs can reduce costly healthcare demands and improve outcomes. For example, food insecurity is linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which require ongoing management. By addressing such needs, we can potentially alleviate the burden on emergency and chronic care services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have facilitated these efforts by creating pathways to address social needs. Yet, many states, particularly in the Midwest and South, have yet to fully leverage these opportunities. Encouraging more states to participate through simplified application processes and clearer guidance could expand these beneficial programs nationwide., investingIn my work, I've seen the critical need for a healthcare system that addresses more than just clinical symptoms. By focusing on the social determinants of health, we can create a more holistic approach to patient care. This means not only screening for and addressing these needs, investing in community resources, and forming strong partnerships with local organizations. As we move forward, we must continue to advocate for policies and practices that integrate social and medical care. This approach will not only improve individual health outcomes and create a more equitable and efficient healthcare system for all. It's time to rethink how we deliver care in America, ensuring every patient has the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Read more at: https://buff.ly/4buJ798 #healthcare #hospitals #health #doctors

As an emergency physician, I've seen firsthand how our healthcare system can fail many people. The U.S. healthcare system is a mix of different programs, but it often leaves people without the care they need and drives up costs. We can learn from other countries that have found better ways to balance public and private healthcare. Countries like the U.K., France, and Singapore provide everyone with basic healthcare through public systems. They also offer private options for those who want and can afford more. This approach ensures everyone gets good care without high costs and long waits. In the U.S., we often focus too much on treating illnesses rather than preventing them. Other countries invest in things like housing and early childhood care, which improve health in the long run. For example, nurse visits for new mothers can lead to healthier kids and parents. We need to change how we think about healthcare. It's not just about having insurance; it's about making sure people can get the care they need, when they need it, and keeping them healthy in the first place. By looking at what works in other countries and focusing on prevention, we can build a better healthcare system here. It's time for a new conversation about healthcare in America, one that prioritizes access, quality, and long-term health. #healthcare #hospitals #health #doctors

As I reflect on the pandemic's impact, I'm deeply concerned about the plight of farmworkers facing high-risk exposure to bird flu, yet not receiving adequate testing. These workers are on the front lines, directly interacting with cows, often in conditions that heighten their risk of contracting the virus. Despite the CDC's efforts to monitor the spread of bird flu among dairy farmworkers, only 40 people connected to U.S. dairy farms had been tested by late May. The virus has infected a few workers, causing eye irritation, cough, and sore throat. Experts fear that if it mutates to spread easily between humans, we could be looking at another pandemic. Farmworkers rarely seek medical care due to lack of health insurance and paid sick leave. They can't afford to miss work, even if they're sick. The CDC has offered $75 to farmworkers for testing, but this doesn't cover the potential loss of income if they need to quarantine or seek further medical treatment. It's a tough choice: $75 for a test that could cost them their week's wages. Moreover, there's a deeper fear among many farmworkers, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. They worry that testing positive might draw unwanted attention, possibly fueling anti-immigrant sentiments and risking their jobs. Historically, marginalized communities have often been unfairly blamed for the spread of diseases, and we can't let history repeat itself. Public health officials must ensure that farmworkers are informed about the virus in their language and by trusted individuals. Education is crucial. They need to know how to protect themselves without fearing job loss or deportation. Providing protective gear like face shields, which are more practical than N95 masks in their working conditions, is a step in the right direction. Farmworkers play a critical role in our food supply chain. They work long hours in tough conditions, often without adequate protection or healthcare. As we navigate through these challenging times, it's imperative that we advocate for their health and safety. The bird flu threat isn't just about animal health—it's about human lives, particularly those of the most vulnerable workers. In my work, I've seen the profound impact of healthcare access—or the lack thereof—on marginalized communities. We must push for systemic changes that ensure everyone, regardless of their job or immigration status, has access to the healthcare they need. This pandemic has highlighted the gaps in our system; it's time we bridge them. We owe it to our farmworkers to protect their health as they continue to sustain ours. Read more at: https://buff.ly/3KXkGWt #healthcare #hospitals #health #doctors

Grateful to The Aspen Institute for showcasing our work at Link Health and for our Vice President of Partnerships Ar'Sheill Monsanto for representing the work! Link Health links patients to economic opportunity by enrolling them in public benefits like LIHEAP, SNAP, lifeline, and the ACP. In our pilot year, Link Health helped distribute over $490,728 in support directly to patients significantly enhancing the economic stability and health outcomes of the communities we serve. In the United States, the average income of the bottom 50% of adults is $24,800—a figure that has only seen a modest increase of $2,800 since 2000. This support is lifechanging for patients as the relentless financial strain and toxic stress not only have a profound impact on their health outcomes but also lead to a higher prevalence of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, exacerbated by poor access to nutritious food and adequate healthcare. Through benefits enrollment we can help patients fight the toxic impact of poverty on health.

As I sit and reflect on the pandemic's impact, I can't help but think about the millions of Americans who have lost not just their jobs, but their employer-sponsored health insurance. By June 2020, a staggering 7.7 million workers had lost jobs with health coverage, leaving 6.9 million dependents at risk as well. This isn't just a statistic—it’s a harsh reality that touches every corner of our society, from manufacturing to retail, and most notably, the food service industry. In my work as an emergency physician and through initiatives like VotER and GOTVax, I've seen firsthand the ripple effects of this loss. Manufacturing workers, who typically had strong ESI coverage, were among the hardest hit. Meanwhile, those in the accommodation and food services industry, despite facing massive job losses, were less likely to have had employer-sponsored insurance to begin with. The age groups most affected were those in their prime working years—35 to 54—who often have families depending on their coverage. Women, too, bore a disproportionate share of these job losses, highlighting the inequities that continue to pervade our labor market. This pandemic has starkly illustrated the fragile link between employment and health insurance in America. As we navigate these challenging times, it's clear that we must advocate for robust safety nets, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of employment status, have access to the healthcare they need. Our work is far from over, but by acknowledging these challenges and pushing for systemic change, we can begin to heal not just our patients, but our communities as well. #healthcare #hospitals #health #doctors