CareSource hosts Healthy Toledo Summit

CareSource recently played host to their first-ever, Healthy Toledo Summit at the YMCA of Greater Toledo. Approximately one hundred community members took part in the Summit which focused on several key health topics including children wellness visits, the reduction of infant mortality rates and methods to address lead poisoning. Registrants were invited to participate in a Wellness Walk prior to the start of the event.

The highlight of the Summit was an hour-long panel discussion from leading health experts in Northwest Ohio discussing what more can be done for community members affected by these health issues.

“The Summit energized all of our panelists to do everything we possibly can to support local experts and to pull in national organizations and resources to address these very important health matters,” said Dr. Beejadi Mukunda, VP and Market Chief Medical Officer at CareSource. “It was amazing to see the engagement and collaboration by multiple local organizations to openly speak about these issues that are so important to the Toledo community.”

Panelists for the discussion included Dr. Pam Oatis, Pediatrician & Hand in Hand Parenting Certified Instructor; George Thomas, CEO and General Counsel of The Fair Housing Center; Ellen Gaietto, OEI Program Coordinator, Getting to 1 Coalition/CAN Coordinator and Dr. Mukunda.

“We need to look at going upstream from these issues and addressing the source and not just waiting for people to become sick and at that point treat them,” said Mr. Thomas. “Part of what we must do is solve social problems to address the health issues we are seeing.”

Ellen Gaietto encouraged the community to become involved with ongoing organizations, coalitions and volunteering on existing projects that address the needs of those in Lucas County.

“I challenge everyone to look both personally and professionally, where you have control and influence over maternal and infant health issues,” said Gaietto.

Overall, the Summit was a success and plans for additional summits are already underway.

“We plan to focus on important issues in other cities in the State of Ohio and address similarly in the future to bring health care providers and community organizations together to help our members get better quality of life and health care,” added Dr. Mukunda.