CCA partners with CDC for emergency responses

Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — The Convenient Care Association, the non-profit organization representing the retail-based clinic industry, is looking to partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to explore ways to improve prevention, surveillance and emergency response to diseaseoutbreaks and crises.

“CCA is pleased that these discussions are under way, as this represents an important opportunity to leverage our national network of easily accessible healthcare facilities to improve public health outcomes and reduce costs,” stated Web Golinkin, chief executive officer of clinic operator RediClinic and president of the CCA.

The convenient care industry has recorded 3 million visits and is expected to serve an additional 3.5 million patients by 2009. There are nearly 1,000 clinics in 36 states, and that number is expected to double by the end of 2009.

Added Michael Howe, chief executive officer of CVS Caremark-owned MinuteClinic, “Our ability to see early indicators of infection in easily accessed and diverse locations around the country makes us a strong ally for public health. In addition, in the event of a health crisis, our locations and distribution systems are well-suited for the rapid delivery of countermeasures.”

“I am excited and optimistic about the potential for collaborating with CCA to increase access to preventive services for the nation’s population routinely, as well as in times of crisis,” stated Bradley A. Perkins, chief strategy and innovation officer for CDC.

Research from the New England Complex Systems Institute supports the need for a network that can deliver high-volume, low-complexity, high-impact preventive services. “The characteristics of the retail-based convenience care clinics match this need,” stated Yaneer Bar-Yam, Ph.D., president of the institute. “Their distinct capabilities complement those of traditional providers.”