Of Ohio
Speaking on behalf of Children and
Youth with Special Health Care Needs
For more information contact:
6555 Busch Blvd. Suite 112, Columbus, OH 43229
(419-946-9431)
Email: fvohio@aol.com
www.familyvoicesohio.org
A national grassroots advocacy network of
families and friends founded in 1992
Advocating on behalf of CYSHCN for:
 Family-centered, community-based,
comprehensive, coordinated, culturally
competent care
 Families as decision makers
 Essential partnerships between families and
professionals
1
1935 – MCHB authorized as Title V of Social Security
Act
1981 – History of family advocacy through the 1980’s
Katie Beckett Waiver in 1981; MCHB promotes F/P
partnerships
1992 – National Family Voices founded
Vision of MCHB (Title V) and health care reform drives
formation of national family organization to connect family
leaders
1993 – Family Voices of Ohio
Kathleen Bachmann, Family Consultant for BCMH
1996 – Family Voices receives funding for initial 8
F2FHIC
Funding for family groups at the state level to prepare
families to become effective partners and leaders in programs
and policies;
Gradual expansion of F2FHIC to all states by various
funding streams
2009 – FV of Ohio received federal grant for a F2FHIC
OUR Purpose
To provide information and support regarding health care
issues to Ohio families
To raise awareness of the health care industry regarding
the health care requirements of children
To assist families in navigating the health service system
To raise awareness in the community of the unique needs
of children
A Trusted Resource on Health Care
Through our national network we provide families tools to:
Make informed decisions
Advocate for improved public and private policies
Build partnerships among professionals and families
Children/youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN)
Have or are at risk for a chronic physical, developmental,
behavioral, or emotional condition. They usually require
health and related services of a type or amount beyond
that required by children generally. (1994/1995)
Broad range of chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy,
developmental delay, ADHD, depression, autism, asthma
CYSHCN account for 40% or more of medical
expenditures for children overall.
of Ohio
Creates and/or shares opportunities for parents and
professionals to work together to ensure CYSHCN are
active participants in their communities
This is accomplished through our statewide Family to
Family Health Information Network
.
Family to Family Health Information
Network
“Helping families navigate the health care system”
This project is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services – Health
Resources and Services Administration – Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of
Child, Adolescent and Family Health (H84MC12903).
Health Information
Specialists assist
families in:
Financing needed services
Accessing a medical home
Accessing community services
Partner/decision making with professionals
Screenings
Transitioning to adult services
of Ohio
The top 10 areas of 1-1 assistance and trainings:
1. Family Support
2. Communicating with child’s providers
3. Education/schools/IEP
4. Screening for Early Intervention & IEP
5. Public Health Care Funding (Medicaid, BCMH, etc..)
6. Recreation
7. Transition: Finding adult health care providers
8. Disability awareness
9. Providing information to increase skills/knowledge
10. Community services (Housing, etc…)
Impact on the Family
CSHCN whose conditions cause
financial problems for the family
Impact on the Family
CSHCN whose conditions may cause
family to cut back or stop working
The success of Family Voices of Ohio is based on the
fact that staff and board members are all parents of
children and adults who have special health care needs
Contact Us:
Northwest Ohio: Cindy Bregel – 419-423-4536
Cindy.bregel@gmail.com
Northeast Ohio: Jennifer Wolford Greathouse – 330-762-9755 ext. 226
jwolford@udsakron.org
Southwest Ohio: Kamesha Anderson – 513-693-0208
kamesha.anderson@yahoo.com
Central Ohio: Kelly Morris – 937-738-7171
kmorris0097@aol.com
Southeastern Ohio: Jessica Hawk – 740-851-0901
jhawkp2p@yahoo.com
For more information contact:
6555 Busch Blvd. Suite 112, Columbus, OH 43229
(419-946-9431)
Email: fvohio@aol.com
www.familyvoicesohio.org
Carol Keltner - Project Director
937-620-5662
Patty Dovell – Project Coordinator
419-946-9431