Initiative created to seek community input on what the region's health care system might look like in the future

The Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York in conjunction with The John R. Oishei Foundation, the P 2 Collaborative of Western New York and the University at Buffalo Regional Institute today launched One Friday, Four Futures, an initiative that utilizes scenario planning to seek community input on what the region's health care system might look like in the future.

"Scenario planning is a dramatically new concept for our region as far as addressing a public policy issue because it offers the community an opportunity to look ahead and shape the system of the future through community wide conversation and dialogue," Ann F. Monroe, president of the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York said. "The conversations that will take place over the next several months are intended to gather community input so we can put forth recommendations for a health system that can meet the needs of diverse constituencies, including the elderly, rural communities and families in poverty to name just a few."

One Friday, Four Futures has been carefully planned for more than a year and reflects the active input of a wide-range of perspectives, including officials representing consumer, provider, urban, rural, business and labor interests and organizations. The initiative is premised around four scenarios depicting what the health care system in the region may look in the year 2018. The four scenarios will be presented in audio format with trained facilitators leading a discussion for feedback and comments to the scenarios.

The objective of One Friday, Four Futures is to build a composite picture of what the users of the health system would like the system to deliver in the future. The information will be used to provide policy makers with recommendations regarding proposals to address the complex issues challenging the region's health care system, including costs and access to care.

"All of us are users of health care," Monroe continued. "This initiative is structured to hear from as many users as possible about what they need and want from their health care system. Then, these many perspectives can be rolled up to create an accurate picture of the community's priorities."

Conversations will be hosted throughout Western New York by various entities, including church and civic groups, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations and block clubs. Any group or organization is welcome to host a One Friday, Four Futures community conversation by calling 716-829-3777 or by visiting online at www.rx4excellence.org. The scenarios also have been translated into Spanish for conversations to take place in the Hispanic community.

About the Community Health Foundation of Western &Central New York:

The Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York is an independent private foundation. It invests in, and partners with, organizations and communities in innovative ways to improve health and healthcare for the vulnerable and underserved. The Foundation's Board of Trustees has selected frail elders and children from communities of poverty as targeted populations for health improvements over the next several years. The Foundation is based in Buffalo and has a second office in Syracuse. For more information, call (716) 852-3030 or 315-671-0057 or visit www.chfwcny.org.

About The John R. Oishei Foundation:

The John R. Oishei Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, health care, scientific research, and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of windshield wiper systems.

About the P 2 Collaborative of Western New York:

Incorporated in 2002, the P2 Collaborative is comprised of a 12-person board of directors who represent the three major health plans, consumers, patient advocates, labor, media, faith, a community school, university medical school, a large medical group and business. The leadership team includes members from 37 organizations representing consumers, employers, providers, health plans, data capture and safety net providers.

About the Regional Institute at the University at Buffalo: