Leveraging the Power of the Internet for Equal Access
Thomas supported the City of Richmond’s initiative to build an innovative culture in the Department of Social Services. By adopting civic technology and open data he was able to improve service delivery and access to services and information for employees, non-profit partners, and the city's residents. Thomas developed a regional... Read more
Strengthening Emergency Services
The City and County of San Francisco’s Division of Emergency Communications has 160 public safety dispatchers who collectively provide round-the-clock 9-1-1 emergency assistance. To improve the agency’s management of the complex and fluctuating staffing requirements, FUSE executive fellow Marilyn Varnado worked with the agency to reduce staff scheduling challenges and... Read more
Enhancing Patient Care Through Improved Staffing Practices
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) relies heavily on contract workers, who make up 27 percent of the agency’s workforce. FUSE executive fellow Nichelle Toomire helped the agency understand the associated cost, use, and impact of this workforce, identifying opportunities for efficiencies. She also secured resources for... Read more
Designing Data-Driven Strategy to Improve Public Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Environmental Health (EH) is responsible for ensuring that food is prepared and served safely for the millions of people who frequent the region’s restaurants and dining halls each year. EH partnered with FUSE executive fellow Mohammad Mehryar to build on the... Read more
Improving Patient Access to Healthcare Services
To improve the patient experience, maximize provider time with patients, and reduce revenue loss from unauthorized services, the Los Angeles Department of Health Services (DHS) recently brought together under one department key functions that facilitate patient access to medical care into unified units within each hospital and clinic. DHS enlisted... Read more
Designing Coordinated Systems of Services to Benefit Seniors
Long Beach has a large, diverse, and vibrant senior population, which is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. The city’s Community Health Bureau partnered with FUSE Executive Fellow Karen Doolittle to help Long Beach improve quality of life for senior residents by linking them to a more coordinated... Read more
Leveraging Strategic Data Analytics
The San Francisco Human Services Agency administers social service programs to promote the wellbeing and self-sufficiency of more than 200,000 low-income and vulnerable individuals. The agency hired FUSE Executive Fellow Sima to analyze data the agency is collecting through its newly upgraded systems and to integrate that analysis into its... Read more
Building a Strategic Marketing Function
In response to national healthcare reform, the Department of Public Health has undertaken several initiatives, including building a world-class trauma center and developing a citywide health network. Having functioned historically as a safety net provider for vulnerable populations, the San Francisco Health Network is now also working to become the... Read more
Establishing a Statewide Health Innovation Office
Over the past several years, the California Health & Human Services Agency (CHHS) has been focused on increasing public access to health-related data, operating with greater levels of transparency and embracing more innovative approaches to its operations. CHHS aims to revitalize the way healthcare is provided and promoted throughout the... Read more
Developing an Integrated Response to the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid addiction crisis has risen to epidemic levels in the greater Pittsburgh region, where hospitals handled nearly 2,000 overdose cases in 2014. The Allegheny County Health Department’s response marries public health and public safety in an attempt to more effectively incorporate responses from all sectors. FUSE Executive Fellow Colin... Read more